The origins of Aprils Fools Day are speculation at best. There are a few theories:
1) In 1582, France switched from the Julian calendar (April 1 – New Year) to the Gregorian calendar (January 1 – New Year). Some people failed to receive the news and celebrated the New Year on April 1 anyway, and they became the laughingstock of their communities.
2) Some people also suggest that April 1 is connected to the vernal equinox when Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather.
It is quite possible that you have even been tricked today by your kids, your spouse, or your co-workers.
Yesterday, we heard how God fooled death by raising the son of the widow at Nain. Last year, we celebrated the Resurrection of Our Lord on April 1. What a wonderful truth these stories offer to us. As we continue our Lenten season and await Easter Morning and the Resurrection on the Last Day, may we continue to trust and to believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and the life everlasting. God isn’t fooling around and he certainly will not disappoint us!
My Lenten Blessings and prayers continue for you, dear people of God!
Pastor Culynn
P.S. The painting above is by Lucas Cranach, the Younger (1569),a second generation Lutheran painter, who helped to proclaim Luther’s Reformation message through art in the 16th century.
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(April 7), you are invited to read:
Acts 9:1-22