Earlier today thousands gathered to pay proper respect for the dead of the Abruzzo Earthquake. It’s a tragic situation, the death toll now at 289, the count still rising, leaving so many victims and crushed lives. Nature rumbled and buildings tumbled. But the greatest tragedy to my thinking is the news following this earthquake which places heavy blame on contractors. Modern buildings crumbled while ancient edifices remained intact. President Napolitino has called for an investigation in why building standards weren’t upheld. Betrayal of trust is the theme of the day. This is a somber reminder of the fallen nature of humanity which fits right in with the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Today’s Funeral service received special dispensation from the Pope, because today, being Good Friday is the one day in the year when Roman Catholics will not celebrate the Eucharist. Under normal circumstances, there is to be one single focus on this day world wide in Western Christianity, remembrance of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. But considering the circumstances postponement of funeral services would only further cloud the story of hope that comes on the third day, and delay the needed closure for so many survivors. So wisdom and sorrow intersected in the streets of L’Aquile while thousands mourned the tragic events of the week. Christians and Muslims together mourned. If you like thinking in apocalyptic terms, shock waves catapulted the great horse of death through the streets and towns of Italy, riding on the waves of the earth’s crust. Anger and grief mingle together now as Italians seek understanding of the senseless loss of life.
This is not the first time faulty building construction has taken its toll on a community.
What is it about humanity that allows people to cheat in quality at the expense of their own countrymen? Is it greed, or lack of pride in workmanship, or ignorance? Perhaps it’s a combination of all. So the theme of present betrayal serves as a counterpoint in reflection as we remember his time of abandonment and betrayal which preceded the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the archetype themes that weave through civilizations and cultures. The Hero serves as the ultimate in standards for the moral life. Story after story demonstrate that the moral life is inclined to leave a person walking alone through dark places. Campbell often referred to Jesus as the Christian equivalent of the Hero, a model for humanity to use as a pattern for their own lives. The story of Jesus is a story to bring meaning out of the meaninglessness of tragedy and loss. It is a story to bring purpose and direction when the moral compass swings about mercurially as if caught between several magnets.
That is a minimalist understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. It overlooks the resurrection and sidesteps having to deal with any talk of an atoning death. But if that helps you begin to reflect on the meaning of Jesus to the world in which you live, it’s a good enough starting place.
The Palm Sunday text in Mark (11:1-11) relates the solitary nature of the final phase of Jesus’ journey toward Golgatha. While the crowds shouted joyously up to the city walls, no one steps a single foot inside. A patriotic assembly and rally inside the walls of Jerusalem would have incited the wrath of Pontius Pilate. No one wanted to risk meeting their own execution. But they were glad to cheer Jesus on right up to the city gates. So alone, on his borrowed colt, Jesus traveled through the city and entered the Temple. Later he returns to join his disciples in the safety of Bethany, away from the watchful eye of Roman authorities and Jewish Leaders.
That sets the stage for this evening’s Tenebrae service. From that moment when Jesus walked into Jerusalem, support for the teacher began to evaporate. Many would claim loyalty. No one would hang on the cross with him that day that had also come from within the inner circle of Jesus’ closest disciples.
But then, no one else needed to. Only one perfect lamb was required to accomplish the work of redemption.
“Holy is the lamb that is slain and worthy to be praised.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Barbara
No comments:
Post a Comment