If we are truly entering into Holy Week - all that it means and all that it has to give - we can let this happen:
We have gotten so used to the ultimate Christian fact--Jesus naked, stripped, crucified and risen--that we no longer see it for what it is: a summons to strip ourselves of earthly cares and worldly wisdom, all desire for human praise, greediness for any kind of comfort; a readiness to stand up and be counted as peacemakers in a violent world; a willingness to let go of those pretenses that would have us believe that we really aren't worldly. Even the last rag we cling to--the self-flattery that suggests we are being humble when we disclaim any resemblance to Jesus Christ--even that rag has to go when we stand face to face with the crucified Lord.
Thank Goodness for honesty, however scary and confronting that might be. It seems to me that in daring to be honest and stripped bare we gain a power and sense of self that is so deep that we are capable to 'step up to the plate' and be peacemakers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellie, it is a good reminder and I love the image, it seems so consoling. Love Caro
Hello, Caro. I agree with you about the empowerment. It's paradoxical, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the image. When I found it, I was really struck by its appeal. It's a 12th century mosaic. Truly stunning.