Terminators

Today the line between day and night becomes vertical.  An equinox occurs on planet Earth.   An equinox is a time of the year when day and night are almost equal.

At an equinox, the Earth’s terminator [not Schwarzenegger] – the dividing line between day and night -- becomes vertical and connects the north and south poles.  As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the terminator tilts in a way that provides less daily sunlight to the northern hemisphere, causing winter in the north.  As the year progresses, the terminator tilts the other way causing winter in the southern hemisphere and summer in the north. 

I learned this fact from the NASA website showing the “astronomy picture of the day.”  What strikes me is the connection between the north and south poles.  Opposites of a sort are connected in an astronomical way.  God’s handiwork to be sure.

The equinox reminds me of what we all hope for – connected-ness, even if temporary.   If only the opposites of our world would connect – and cooperate.  

If only the opposites in our country would connect and cooperate.  Today’s political climate would be far less stormy with anger and disparagement not being the rule.  There would be far less self-destructive behavior designed more for personal gain at the expense of the common good.   

Terminators are those people who promote distrust and fear.  Too many of our politicians appear to be terminators.   Perhaps our Lord can tilt them the other way – the one towards reconciliation, peace, and hope.

Deacon David Pierce