Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 28:1-2 (Holman Standard Christian Bible)

1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it.

This translation of these verses reads (to me at least) that the angel descending from heaven caused a violent earthquake. In today’s super-hero-filled movies, I can see that angel doing one of those Iron Man landings on one knee and all that. Perhaps that is a stretch.

Nevertheless, the arrival of an angel corresponded to an earthquake. Are all earthquakes caused by the arrival, presence, or departure of angels? I have no evidence for or against such an idea. Here, however, we see that one earthquake accompanied the arrival of one angel on one instance.

Are other “natural” occurrences linked to other “super natural” beings coming and going? Again, I have no evidence of such, but we do have instances mentioned in the Bible.

Next time the wind blows or the earth shakes or the temperature abruptly changes, think of God. Now that I mention it, next time the sun rises or sets beautifully, think of God. Next time a bird sings or you see a beautiful valley or natural flowers bloom or … think of God. Thank God. Without ceasing.