| St Ignatius practiced the reading of scripture prayerfully, dwelling on each word and phrase and simply sitting with it for a while before reading it again; allowing the Holy Spirit to prompt and reveal new appreciation of the words and phrases for all.
It wasn’t until reading this passage for today in this way that I was struck by people. People passing by, people bringing Jesus, people casting lots, people alongside, people in official positions. We often see the crucifixion visually expressed as three solitary crosses “on a green hill far away”. But there were people and lots of them. I wonder about them. Those who were active in moving the action along; manhandling Jesus and his possessions, carrying out familiar orders at the bidding of others.
I wonder about those people simply passing by; passing in their everyday life like such a horrific scene was normal, usual and maybe even acceptable. I wonder about those in authority; ridding themselves of a threat, a nuisance and a risk.
As we turn the corner towards the Cross, sharing in the final days of Jesus I hope and pray that we might find that people committing acts of horror in our world may be awakened to injustice and suffering one pair of hands at a time.
As we who are free from persecution, and blessed by so much, consider the scene and the people, may we not be people who pass by. Used to the horror we see on screens and in papers and blind to the ways we can make a difference one pair of hands at a time.
As we face the darkness of that day let us join as one voice in prayer for those whose authority today brings darkness to others this day.
We know with hindsight that a joyous time will come for Jesus and his followers but for today there is no final hymn of praise to send us out simply a call to consider, reflect and remember the people. Let us be God’s people together.
|
