Even During Eastertide
AM Psalm 56, 57, [58] • PM Psalm 64, 65
Lev. 16:1-19 • 1 Thess. 4:13-18 • Matt. 6:1-6,16-18
It is interesting to see these specific readings today, as we make our journey through the Easter season. Of particular note is the reading from Leviticus, which features the priestly ritual for the Jewish solemn holy day of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, or perhaps more properly translated as day of cleansing. A goat is set aside to be sacrificed, its blood sprinkled in the most sacred area of the sanctuary. Another goat is compelled to carry the figurative burden of the sins of the people, and then is sent away to wander the wilderness, removing the spiritual pollution from the presence of the people.
From there, we come to the reading from Matthew, which might be in our recent memory, as it is the gospel reading used for Ash Wednesday. With the reading from Leviticus, we are confronted with the need for periodic renewal and cleansing on a communal basis; with the reading from Matthew, we are confronted with the continued need to regularly interrogate our motivations and practices. This scripture is often used as a way to argue against the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, under the framing of not letting others see your piety. However, I do not think that is the point.
People will see what we do; hopefully what we do is good. The point is not to do it so you will be seen. It is simply to do the good for the sake of it and for the sake of others. As we continue our Easter path, brilliant with the glory of the risen Christ, we should be confident of God’s mercy, but that mercy should also lead us to a deeper understanding of who we are as forgiven people. This is a quiet reminder, maybe serendipitously given to us by the lectionary, to seek continual cleansing, and to seek profound self-awareness — even during Eastertide.
Written by Rev. Dr. Nathan John Haydon
Nathan earned his PhD in English studying medieval literature and languages from the University of Arkansas. He’s an Episcopal priest, Benedictine oblate, lover of cats and coffee, and a transplant from Fayetteville, Arkansas to St Louis with his super smart scientist wife, Kathryn. He finally didn’t quote Thomas Merton in a reflection, but he’s still been reading Merton!