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Easter reflections – Day 5
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> As we continue our journey along the Stations of the Cross, find a few minutes to consider these images, and what they mean. The questions and quotes below may help. How will they shape the way you see the world today? 9. The third fall There is a battle we know well. Good against evil is not just in stories, it is in us, and it was visible in Jesus’ struggle with the cross. For a third time, the weight of what was placed upon Jesus overcame his human body. We might know God’s strength, but even Jesus’ closest followers know this battle too. As Saint Paul wrote: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7 verses 21 to 24) What are the battlegrounds for us? What are the things we want to overcome, but keep weighing us down? When we think of the world, we might think of the big battles – from wars between nations to fights against injustice, crime, poverty and fear. Where is our part in those battles? How can our courage make a difference? What about the battles closer to us? When there are disputes at work, or arguments at home, what can we do to bring peace and grow relationships? What gets in the way of that? Maybe the personal battles are the hardest. If, like Paul, I want to do good, but evil is right there with me, what do I need to overcome? Addictions or hurtful desires? Pride, anger or rebellion? Maybe simply a fear of failure? The weight of our failures can seem immense. Jesus carried them all and, while the struggle was tough, we know that he got up after the fall. The end of the battle is only a few steps away. “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7 verses 24 and 25) 10. Preparing for crucifiction Jesus arrived at Golgotha, “the place of the skull”, the site of his execution. What kind of victory was it to get here? His enemies must have thought they were the victors. How would Jesus have felt in this final faceoff? As they prepared to place Jesus on the cross, they removed his clothes, which the soldiers would later divide among themselves. Jesus now owned nothing man made; no source of identity or comfort came between Jesus and the world which condemned him. If we were to face death, we would have to leave man made things behind too. What are the things which give us comfort? What do we put between ourselves and the people who look at us? Clothes were as significant in Jesus’ culture as they are for us – perhaps even more so. The wealthy could be recognised by their rare, expensive fabrics. Clean white garments indicated good self care and health for most people. Even those of the lowest status or choosing to show humility had sackcloth to wear. God clothed Adam and Eve, and a lack of clothes in this culture would have been extremely shameful. Yet Jesus gave everything up. What does this mean for us if we are following him? Saint Paul wrote to the church about the discomfort of life as we are caught between old problems and new hope of things to come. “We groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Corinthians 5 verses 2 to 4) As we groan at the pain of change, what are we really longing for? Do we have a hope which is more than man made? Are we ready to swap our old clothes for new life? Walk with us Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> Considering these things alone can be valuable, but daunting. When we walk through this together, we can find strength. So you are invited to join us and walk the Stations of the Cross at Saint Stephens. Thursday 9th – 5.30pm – “Last Supper” together, with food and friendship leading into reflection and meditation, preparing critical.mass to share communion Good Friday 10th – stillness and space from noon, then Praying the Stations of the Cross from 2pm Holy Saturday 11th – 8.30pm – Celebrating the Mystery together with signs of the resurrection, the first communion of Easter, and the chants and sounds of mystery, hope and transformation Easter Sunday 12th – 10.30am – Celebration of Easter, simply, with the cafe, garden, flowers, communion (and Easter eggs!) Want to ask a question or share a thought? As well as joining us in person, you can email easter@saint-stephens.com Please indicate if your comments are private or for sharing, and we would love to hear from you.
Bern Leckie, Development administrator, Saint Stephens Leave a Reply |
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