The spring equinox is upon us.
The Western date for Easter is “the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon.” In 325 the spring equinox was on March 20. The Paschal full moon has been calculated using that date ever since. In the 16th century, the Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in most western countries (England followed in the 18th century). This caused the date for Easter in the Eastern Church, still on the Julian calendar, to follow the Western date by up to two weeks. The Paschal full moon was calculated in 325 and is sometimes not the same as an observed full moon. Add in changes to the calendar in the centuries following and Easter can be confusing.
Part of the church celebrates the high holy day of Easter on one Sunday, part on another Sunday. Except once in a while the two dates fall together because the calculated date on the Gregorian calendar and the observed date on the Julian calendar coincide. Lots of the “things” about religion can be confusing.
Having two Popes (I am not even sure about the plural of Pope) is confusing. The conflicts of the Church are confusing. The multiplicity of religion in the United States, let alone the world, is confusing. It does not take much effort to find confusion out there.
Clarity comes from within. When the outward signs present a confusing array of mutually exclusive and contentious options it is commitment that bring peace. The traditions and experience of love, culturally and socially conditioned, are mystifying yet powerfully clarified with commitment to another.
As we come again to the yearly celebrations of Easter and Passover, may peace attend your heart and home.
