The Moon Will Not Give Its Light

November is a "between" time - no longer autumn really, and yet, not quite winter. Somehow next Sunday's gospel story of the "end times" fits so perfectly into this 'tween season of early darkness and shorter days. Mark 's gospel speaks to us through the ages,
Jesus said to his disciples:
"In those days after that tribulation
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."
Of course no one knows when the real end time will occur, but we know for sure each one of us will face our own end time. So November sets the perfect staging for self-reflection. How are we doing in this life we have been given? Are we prepared for our end times? When my Dad received the news that his life would be ending because his lungs were giving out, he never showed fear or self-pity. Why Dad I asked? Aren't you afraid of dying? No was his answer. I am not afraid because I have prepared my whole life for this moment. When my moon no longer gave light, and my stars fell from the sky, and my faith in the powers of heaven were shaken, I took comfort in my Dad's words. Madeline L'Engle describes this end moment of faith so succinctly in her poem "Epiphany":

Unclench your fists.
Hold out your hands.
Take mine.
Let us hold each other.
This is His Glory
Manifest.