From Between Cross & Resurrection by Alan E. Lewis
...the fate of Jesus was neither an accident nor suicide, but the result of actions against him by others, who had been provoked by actions of his own. In order to obey the God he believed in, he had entered into conflict; and he died both as victim to those who contradicted him, and in consequence of his own opposition to them.
I included this quote in my sermon this past Sunday as we focused on the gospel lesson and Jesus' reprimand of Peter when Peter tries to convince Jesus not to talk about the upcoming conflict in Jerusalem that would lead to Jesus' death. Real actions, real words, real breaking of rules and stepping over boundaries...real love - unlimited and utterly freely given, plays into the fate of Jesus. There are no puppets on strings like we see in those old movies about Greek gods and warriors that once played on TV on Saturday afternoons. Palestine is not that large. The hold that the religious community had on the life of most, if not all the Jews, was very important to the way life was to be lived. Then there was the occupation forces from Rome who worked hard at maintaining peace (peace in their favor of course). Jesus' life actions and words, though we see them as the unfolding of God's Reign, were contrary to the prevailing winds of the culture and the society...and more importantly, the people who were in positions of influence and power in those systems. Someone doesn't merely place a notion in the head of the religious and political leaders that they must kill Jesus. Jesus not only questions the status quo, he lives in opposition to it if it has not been in line with the grace and love of God's reign...that that is how he will live and teach. Picture this happening in, let's say, El Salvador...or any small country in a revolutionary setting. A threat to the powers...means death by the hands of the powers. Death brought about by the actions of the one murdered. I immediately think of Bishop Oscar Romero...at the Communion Table - executed during worship. He said to much and acted to closely to his words.
Connection: The very common and everyday actions and words of this day become a part of the contrary reign of God. No, don't go out today trying to pick a fight. Go out today within the promise of God's love and grace as the bedrock from which we will live. That is "life."
O God of all our days, walk with us and guide our actions so that new life may emerge among us and the world may witness a glimpse of your promised life. All praise to you this day, O God. Amen
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