Your isolation space might be quiet, too quiet maybe, or you are sharing it with children, or working from home, or both. Some time this week gift yourself with the space to hear words from Jesus’ last day.
Jesus said: “My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (MK 14:35)
Since Good Friday last year we have experienced drought, the most extensive bushfires in our history, days and weeks of smoke and now the world-wide spread of covod-19. People have died, homes and livelihoods been lost, families split and taken-for-granted lifestyles turned upside down. We know about uncertainty, fear of what the future might hold, of feeling helpless. We can understand Jesus’ need for company in his pain.
Jesus said: “Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me will betray me.” (Mt 26:23)
As Jesus was deeply hurt by Judas’ betrayal, we have been saddened by the sexual abuse scandals of the last few years. Priests and clerics worldwide have betrayed the trust put in them by parents and young people and their actions have hurt the whole people of God. God of reconciliation and healing, forgive our failings and bless our efforts to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with you.
Jesus said: “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” (Mt 27:47)
Jesus’ words are a cry of distress, of anguish, but not of despair. During this time of covod-19 we can feel that things will never get any better, that our isolation will never come to an end and we will never gather in celebration with our loved ones again. We can wonder whether God has deserted us, or worse, is punishing us. This inner pain can cut to the very core of our faith.
My God, my God, we know that your love will never desert us.
Jesus said: “I am thirsty.” (Jn 19:28)
Jesus asked for water and was given sour wine.
Refugees ask for freedom and we give them detention centres.
People thirst for peace and governments give them war.
The homeless thirst for the security of a place to call home and we up the rent.
The young ask for meaning and we give them excuses.
Jesus said: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Lk 23:46)
He is from a remote village in distant Galilee by birth.
He is a Jew under Roman occupation by nationality.
He is a descendant of Abraham by his faith.
He is of royal blood of the line of David.
He is nailed to a cross like a slave deprived of his human rights.
He is on Golgotha, outside the city, deprived of his right of citizenship.
He is Jesus, the Christ.
He is God revealed to his people.
Judith (judith@judithscully.com.au)
