Why the Catholic Church should not run a Super Bowl commercial
The significance of the 3-hour eclipse
Photo by Matt Nelson on Unsplash
Three is a significant and meaningful number in Scripture. We often think of the number three was pertaining to the three days following Jesus’ crucifixion that he rose from the dead. It is no accident that the solar eclipse of 2024 is expected to last three hours (or close to three hours). It is predicted this eclipse will last between two and a half to three hours. Do you want to know another time the earth went dark for three hours? The crucifixion.
“From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” (Matthew 27:45) St. Matthew includes additional details regarding the events that took place after Jesus took his last breath. These events include an earthquake and the raising o the dead. Although scholars disagree regarding the source of the earth’s darkness when Christ died, it is significant that our eclipse would happen just a little over a week after Easter (still in the Easter season for Catholics) and a day after Divine Mercy Sunday.
Nothing happens by accident. Tt is the hand of God that is present within every event. This is even more so when it comes to astrological events. The solar eclipse is a time for all of us to reflect on the juxtaposition of darkness and light. “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
The Bible clearly distinguishes good from evil with the contrast of darkness and light. God not only displays this difference with astrological and physical signs, but he also declares it in His Word. Jesus is the light that came into this world to eliminate us from the darkness of sin. God has given us His Holy Word to guide us, even through the darkness of life.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Even when your world may seem dark, Jesus is there, and the word of God will last forever. It is His holy Word that can guide you through the darkest of times.
Additionally, we must be the sun to others around us. We must shine the light of Christ to everyone we encounter because it is that light that will never be eliminated or hidden by the darkness of Satan. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Enjoy the eclipse. Have a great day, and following days, educating your children on what the eclipse is and how it happens. However, take some time today to reflect on God in the eclipse. The Lord Jesus is revealed in all things on heaven and earth. He is being revealed with this eclipse as well. Three hours is not an accident. The eclipse happening during the Easter Season is not an accident. The darkness may come, but mercy follows the darkness when we trust in the light of the world.
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About the Author
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
