Each year as Holy Week approaches, I feel a sense of foreboding come over me. The events in the gospels are familiar, following a similar rhythm and narrative each year. As Jesus heads into the city, I sense the danger, and the anticipation of the dark events of Good Friday. Each year, although familiar, something specific will stand out in the story, something that comes forward with new emphasis. Over time, the depth of the story is revealed, with its many meanings amplified through generations of faithful retelling of this sacred story.
This year, as I consider the day of Jesus' execution, I am drawn to the vision of the crowds that turned on Jesus. How quickly the energy of a crowd can shift, how fickle our judgement of worth can be. I ask myself, what beliefs or judgements am I absorbing from the people around me? Where am I too quick to make assessments? Too quick to dismiss the quieter voices on the edge of the crowd?
I am also drawn to Jesus' immense sense of conviction. His willingness to speak truth to power. To upend the social and economic structures of the day. To expand the inclusiveness of God's love. To uphold the worth of those people on the edge of the crowd. The sacrifice Jesus made with his life, to make sure that the world shifted in the direction of justice, equality, liberation, inclusion, and love. I ask myself, have I aligned my own life with this vision? Am I living out Christ's challenge fully? How can I channel my own conviction into action?
As fellow disciples, each of us will undertake our own spiritual practices this weekend. As we spend time contemplating the familiar events of the Easter story, may we be open to the revelatory power of scripture. May our time with the sacred story reveal something new.
I'd love to hear from each of you that has an experience in contemplation. Where did your mind light up? Where was your spirit moved? Where was your motivation energised? Please share with me at afalcke@cofchrist.com.au. Your witness encourages my own spiritual journey.
Annie Falcke
Interim Mission Centre President