Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul
The relentless love of God for all Creation riles the prayerless who fear the power of forgiveness. The Romans feared. The persecutors of the Jews feared. … Fear guises as power and commits executions.
Jesus, I’m remembering you in this darkness. I hear the Roman guard coming close. The high Imperial officer asks who you are. How can I tell him? I am silent as they mock your kingship with thorns. I should get on my feet now and speak for you. What can I say? Pilate would be confused if I mention that your kingdom is not of this earth. Could I offer the truth that wealth and power and treasure are pointless? I should tell Pilate that his mighty rule is nothing. The Kingdom Jesus speaks of is not about a prize. Winning the power wars, leading loyal masses in a perfect lockstep parade, wreaking vengeance, paying homage – it doesn’t even matter to Jesus. Lifting up the poor, forgiving the cruelties, caring for sick and the imprisoned and the lonely, welcoming the stranger – Jesus doesn’t even play on a different game board. He has no game just human kindness.
I remember now. Jesus was at the feast when we passed the cup to each of us and talked of the vineyard, drinking life from the single solid root, blooming, setting fruit. It’s not the season now for fruit. The sounds of heavy feet and Roman armor are all around. The anguish, I hear the gasps and the struggle.
I remember dear friend! And still I fail you. The darkness is a blindness and not a truth. How can I come to you now?
“This cross of Jesus — these nails, I’m failing him!”
“Yes, he is a true Christian. He clings to the cross!
“I told you he is a loyal Roman.”
They don’t know!
(Come back after Easter – Tuesday, April 14)
Lazarus Ink 