In 1970, I stood in the memorial that was built over the U.S.S. Arizona and watched small oil droplets float to the surface. Six weeks ago, I stood in the same spot and gazing at the number 2 turret structure below the surface, I watched the oil droplets slowly drift to the surface, spread and then dissipate. The typical colors of oil and water were visible: blue, purple, black and gray. To my left, a very young child broke the solemn silence by crying. As I looked at the mother and child, I smiled because I realized that I was looking at the future. Hopefully, the same small child may someday return to the memorial and see the oil droplets float to the surface and in quite solitude, pay honor to those who are buried in the metal coffin below.
Memorials cause us to remember the past. In some cases, we are able to relive or imagine the event and the effect it has on us and/or mankind. In 2013, I walked the streets of Jerusalem; stood where the trial of Jesus took place; saw the place where the cross of Christ was supposedly raised and gazed into the empty tomb. Instead of watching oil rise to the surface and then dissipating, I realized anew that Jesus’s blood did not dissipate but is still flowing downward. It flows on me and gives me the understanding of the three things that now last forever and will never disappear: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. I am living the future that Jesus the Christ made possible.
Mark described the memorial that we participate in every first day of the week.
As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.” (Mark 14: 22-26)
The New Covenant: Our Future: Salvation: Acquittal of all wrongs: Now we can and do – “SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES”
