Before the reading of the gospel:
It is not the first time that any of us has heard and celebrated the story. We know the players. We know the plot line. We even know the outcome – the good guys win.
And yet, we still gather to hear and tell the story – to let it pierce our hearts and lives. If you are like me, different parts of the narrative call to us year by year. So I ask you: “What is the most important part of the passion for you THIS YEAR? What line, what character, what moment calls to you and invites your attention? As you hear this story proclaimed – be attentive to that movement of the spirit, for it may say much about the journey the Lord invites you to be on.
After the Gospel
For some, it is the moment when Jesus dies upon the cross, and, having journeyed with him, they feel the power of that moment to set them free. For others, who have been hurt by ones they love, they identify with Peter in the courtyard. Still others hear Jesus’ words, uttered on the cross as impossibly difficult for them. “Father forgive them.” How can I say that when I have been so hurt?
For me, the moment was in the garden, the moment that makes the rest possible. “Take this cup away from me, but not what I will, but what you will.” How do you pray like that? Because I haven’t been liking very much what I have experienced of God this.
Personally,
- my friend Dave’s death from ALS was tough.
- mom’s two broken hips and surgeries and follow up have drained my energy.
- Mom’s continual health decline has not been fun to accompany – will she recognize me in a few months?
In the public square,
- I am not liking what appears to be my political choices come the fall election.
- The continued erosion of civil liberties gives me pause.
- The senseless acts of terrorism and violence against Christians in the Mideast is troubling and tragic.
- And the refugee crisis continues unabated.
“Not my will, but yours be done.” Really? You had to go and say and pray that?! You had to live that freely and openly to the Father’s will, come what may? Don’t know difficult it is to do that? How seemingly impossible that is for us? Sigh! SIGH!
Which is EXACTLY why you did that. So that we might see in you an example, a witness that it can be done. That it should be done by those who strive to believe. Ahhh! Lord. That is why that is in my head. Because you are inviting me to trust. To surrender. To give my life so freely and completely…as you did. Not to be protective of my time as I am sometimes want to do, but to stay open at each moment. Not to be fearful of a phone call from the personnel board, should that come. Not to spend time wondering how long my mom will still be around on this planet and will she remember me in even a few month’s time?
And you? What moment caught you? And what is the invitation you find in that moment? What is Jesus’ passion and death trying to awaken inside of you?
We know this story. We know its beginning and ending. But what happens in the middle – the middle of our lives as we live it here and now – that is what truly matters…