Gerald of Wales, a Cambro-Norman priest and historian, once remarked: “For human nature is so made that only what is unusual and infrequent excites wonder or is regarded as of value. We make no wonder of the rising and the setting of the sun which we see every day; and yet there is nothing in the universe more beautiful, or worthy of wonder. When, however, an eclipse of the sun takes place, everyone is amazed - because it happens rarely.” Joel 2:31 reminds us: “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”
An eclipse is defined as a shrouding in which the whole of the disc of the sun or moon is obscured. It is considered by many as a natural wonder of life. A total eclipse in life is not considered a physical event but a metaphor for profound and life-altering changes. This may be inspired by the awe and humility of a total solar eclipse. It represents a period of significant transformation where old ways of being end, revealing new truths or perspectives, much like a solar eclipse darkens the sky to expose the sun's hidden corona.
These experiences can inspire a humble disposition, a deeper connection to the universe, and a desire to make meaningful changes, leading to a more passionate and empathic way of living. Eclipses relate to God in different religious and cultural contexts, often symbolizing divine power, signs of judgment or change, or as moments of spiritual reflection and awe. For example, some Christian interpretations see eclipses as warnings or signs of the end times, while others focus on the cosmic order they reveal. In Judaism, they can be viewed as ill omens or times for prayer. Islam mentions eclipses as signs related to the Mahdi, and in Hinduism, mythological stories attribute eclipses to a cosmic struggle between gods and demons.
Empyrean eclipses happen about two to seven times per year in total, consisting of solar and lunar veilings, but the Moon's orbit is tilted, which prevents them from occurring every month. Solar eclipses happen more frequently, with two to five solar eclipses occurring annually, though total solar eclipses are seen somewhere on Earth only about every 18 months on average. Lunar eclipses also occur a few times a year, with at least two happening annually, though total lunar eclipses are less frequent than partial ones. An eclipse is regarded as a form of hiding or concealment where one celestial body blocks light from another, either completely or partially, by casting its shadow or passing in front of it. If an eclipse occurs in a human life, one may seek a period of renaissance. During a real astronomical eclipse, there are temporary, visible effects like a drop in temperature and dimming of light, which can be unsettling. For some, from a psychological perspective, sound judgment can be affected. In astrology, however, eclipses are seen as significant turning points for major life changes, marking a period of potential transformation, sudden new beginnings, and the ending of old cycles.
Eclipses can bring about monumental events such as births, marriages, promotions, or even significant health developments or losses, and they often lead to feelings of awe and connection to humanity. Science and religion are both well known to view the effects and reasoning of eclipses differently. Science seeks observable, repeatable, and empirical evidence to explain natural phenomena like eclipses through physical processes. During a solar eclipse, the Moon hides the Sun from view, and during a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow hides the Moon. Whether God is believed "involved" in an eclipse depends on one's religious and philosophical perspective; from a scientific viewpoint, solar eclipses are considered natural, predictable astronomical events, but many faiths interpret them as signs of God's power, signs for spiritual reflection, or even warnings. In Islam, a solar eclipse is considered a sign of God's power that frightens people, and Muslims are encouraged to pray and ask for forgiveness during the event, rather than as a sign of death.
In Christianity, some view eclipses as reminders of God's creative power. Others relate the darkness of the crucifixion as a more miraculous event distinct from a natural eclipse. Joshua 10:12-21 primarily narrates the miraculous extension of daylight during a battle, showcasing God's direct intervention to ensure Israel's victory and fulfill his promise to them. The passage emphasizes God's power over nature, his role as a divine warrior for his people, and the complete humiliation of Israel's enemies. The passage reminds us: “At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel. So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal. These five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. And it was told to Joshua, “The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”
And Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave and set men by it to guard them, but do not stay there yourselves. Pursue your enemies; attack their rear guard. Do not let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand.” When Joshua and the sons of Israel had finished striking them with a great blow until they were wiped out, and when the remnant that remained of them had entered into the fortified cities, then all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a man moved his tongue against any of the people of Israel.”
Sometimes, the real beauty and amazement of life is lost through complacency of the norm. People become nonchalant about everyday happenings and tend to disregard their worth or significance. Pertinent things may become shrouded in the midst of life. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, an American minister once remarked: "The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little...": Proverbs 1:32 reminds us: “For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
Eclipses are deemed to have value and significance in life. Conversely, complacency in the self-approbated may diminish its importance. It can damage life from varying dimensions. It may cloud correct perception and appreciation of many differing factors including the concept of God, and hinders true connection with Him. Complacency leads to spiritual decline, indifference to God's commands, a reliance on self, and a state of "practical atheism," where one lives as if God has no role or authority in their life. This spiritual laziness and self-satisfaction block God's grace and power, preventing true contentment, genuine spiritual growth and creating a distance between a person and God. While the feeling of being content is not inherently bad, complacency is generally considered harmful because it involves self-satisfaction combined with an unawareness of potential dangers or a lack of motivation to improve. It causes stagnation and keeps one from reaching their full potential. Matthew 24:29 describes apocalyptic signs immediately following a time of great tribulation. The passage, often interpreted as a prophecy of Christ's Second Coming, depicts cosmic disturbances that provide specific meaning and are impossible to ignore, signaling the end of an age and the start of a new era within God's kingdom. It reminds us: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
Amen.
