This phrase “living in the path of totality” is one I have heard used several times recently as we approach the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. The “path of totality” describes a narrow band of geography from Texas to Maine where the sun’s rays will be totally eclipsed for a few minutes as the moon passes between the earth and sun. The effect will be a gradual and then near complete “darkness” or obscuring of the sun’s light as the moon blocks it from earth. A total solar eclipse is rare, though there was one observed in parts of our nation about 7 years ago. This year’s event is more significant in that it will transpire across a larger swath of the country and some of the more metropolitan areas of population.
It also comes just a little over a week after Easter, as we emerge from the darkness of Jesus’ passion, including his death on Good Friday. In fact, the Bible describes the final hours of Jesus’ life on the cross in much the same way some of this scientific language forecasts the eclipse: “When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” (Mark 15:33 NRSV). Matthew recounts the descent of darkness in much the same way, adding some other special effects that occurred when Jesus’ died (Mt 23:51ff): “At that moment the temple curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised.” Luke states: “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:44-45 NRSV). John makes no mention of the darkness, tearing of the veil, earthquake or opened tombs.
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