The day Canadians had marked on their calendars finally came, and so, those who were prepared with their glasses, specially suited for the event, were able to witness the total solar eclipse.
As the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth, the eclipse brought darkness to various parts across the country for several minutes.
Key cities that experienced totality were Niagara Falls, Kingston Ontario, Montreal, Fredericton, Summerside, P.E.I., and Gander, N.L.
Other places such Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto also were able to witness partial/total eclipses.
In Canada, the partial eclipse began around 2 p.m. EDT when it entered the country’s border in south eastern Ontario.
Those located on the north east Canadian portion of the path started noticing the sun’s light dimming at approximately 4 p.m. EDT.
It was a specular sight for those who were able and prepared to view it. Others, like myself, opted to view it second-hand on footage provided by our local news channels.
Many people are still wondering, just “how the occurrence of a total eclipse could be known so far in advance?”
Well, according to Greg Lisk of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada; “We have known for decades there will be a solar eclipse in the region. We have calculated the moon’s orbit so precisely that we know exactly at what moment the moon will block the sun’s light from reaching earth.”
Science has advanced to such a degree that events such as a total solar eclipse can be forecasted with pin-point accuracy, decades before they occur.
Case in point; scientists have predicted that the next total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from the contiguous US until August 22, 2044, but totality will only occur over North Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada. However, the next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the Lower 48 states will occur on August 12, 2045.
The Demand for a Sign
One day some of the Religious leaders approached Jesus, insisting that He prove to them that he was the Messiah. “Show us a supernatural sign from heaven,” they demanded. Here is how Jesus answered,
“You can read the signs of the weather, for you say, ‘Red sky at night, sailors delight.’ And, ‘Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.’ You’re so adept at forecasting the weather by looking at the sky, but you’re absolutely clueless in reading the obvious signs of the times. A wicked and wayward generation always asks for signs, but the only sign I provide for you will be the sign of Jonah the prophet.” (Matt. 16:2-4)
The sign of Jonah the prophet
Jesus had said to them earlier;
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here (Matt 12:38-41).
By mentioning Jonah, Jesus was being purposely provocative. His death would lead not only to His resurrection but the repentance of the nations that His audience would’ve despised. The sign of Jonah wasn’t just His resurrection but would lead to the repentance of all of us who were despised and marginalized.
So even though last Monday’s occurrence was an eclipse, and not apocalyptic, yet it reminds us that there is a Creator who is still in control of His creation. And even though scientists can predict celestial occurrences with great accuracy, they are ignoring the signs that are all around us – signs that tell us that our day of redemption is drawing near.
In Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Jensen’s song, “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” he writes;
Wars and strife on every hand And violence fills our land, Still some people doubt he'll come again. But the Word of God is true, He'll redeem his chosen few. Don't lose hope, soon Christ Jesus will descend. Chorus: Signs of the times are everywhere. There's a brand new feeling in the air. Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky, Life up your heads, redemption draweth nigh!
One Astronaut when asked if he saw any spiritual significance to the eclipse, said, “It caused many people to look up. And anytime we are looking up, it is always a good thing.”
Jesus said; Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 12;28 ESV)
