3 April 2005

Again from "The Prophetic Imagination" by Walter Brueggemann.

That the passion saying of Jesus constitute the ultimate criticism of the royal consciousness is evident in the reaction of the faithful: First (Mark 8:32-33) Peter, on behalf of the church, rejects the criticism as too radical and he is roundly reprimanded. Second (9:32), the disciples did not understand and are afraid to ask. Third (10:35-37), they respond, indicating they understood nothing, by fresh dispute about their own power and authority. The criticism of Jesus is too radical, not only for the imperial managers but also for his own followers. None of us is prepared for such decisive criticism.'

None of us is prepared for the power and expansive reality that comes into being by grace alone. That is why we all resist it. Jesus' passion takes us through all of our "stuff" and all of our ways of holding onto something and reminds us that none of it can stand through the power of death. And yet, Jesus will and did and does. By grace we are called to follow the same path but too often we dare not follow. Instead, we come up with many and various ways of saying this gracious action of Jesus is too radical of a position to be taken seriously among us. It is a story for us but not a story of us. In reality, we are invited to make it our story. One teacher of mine would say, "Jesus does not die for us, Jesus dies before us." Death is the way we will go. Will it have power over us and make us run from it or will we hear that voice of Jesus calling us beyond the reality of death into the promise of what will be and already is unfolding around us?

Connection: I know it is difficult to follow the lead of our Gracious Lord. I know it is easy to pull back, maybe just a bit, so as to keep ourselves safe and secure. Unfortunately, our idea of safe and secure is neither safe or secure.

Forgiving God, as you invited us along the way of our Lord, Jesus, remind us that we are not alone. Remind us that the Spirit of Hopefulness will be rushing in to refresh us and renew us so that we will continue to walk with you each and every day. Amen.