Jesus Dies And Is Buried: Read Matt 26-27
Contemplation
Take it in one sitting or slowly. Talk to people in the scene. Stay with them, especially Jesus.
Stages for Contemplation:
The house of Simon – A leper? Is he still sick? Outside the community? What does the house look, smell and feel like? How do I react when the woman comes in and smashes the precious ointment? Anointing? This culture does that to dead bodies! Where is this going? Are the disciples angry because of the waste – or because they are afraid of what will happen to Jesus and to them?
Meeting in the dark – Judas meets the priests. Where do they meet? Is it noisy? Quiet? How do they speak and act? What does he want? Why is he doing this? What do the priests want? Do I see myself in either of them?
A last meal with friends. What does the house look, feel, smell like? What about the disciples and Jesus? Frightened? Unaware? Sad? “THIS is my Body…THIS is my Blood!” What is? What does the flat crispy bread and wine taste like? Wine looks a bit like blood, doesn’t it? Remember the cup Jesus challenged his disciples to drink with him when they asked if they could share his glory?
Sleepy, frightened prayers in the garden. It is night and we know that something scary is happening. Jesus knows what is going to happen? What do I do when I am afraid? Jesus knows what it is like! What is it like when my friends won’t stand with me, pray with me?
Movement in the cold night! Shouts, torches, soldiers! People shining fire in the dark and waving weapons! The one who walked with us is handing Jesus to the people who have come to kill him! Trying to fight back – but told not to! Is this the end of all the hope that came with us? How do I cope when people close to me hurt me?
Trial – What is the place like where the foreign king questions Jesus? The person who did wonderful things is not in control here. Unfairness, injustice, pretending to listen but really just trying to work out how to kill him. The friend who was so brave is now talking fast to save his own life. Even Jesus’ best friend who said he loved him the most is now turning away.
Judas watching his friend and teacher – the one he followed all that time – tied up and going to die. Realising what he has done. Despair. Do I sometimes give up on myself and think God won’t love me anymore?
Jesus hurt by people who don’t care but who have control over his life – and bullied even while they are killing him! Has that happened to me? Does the fact that Jesus has had this happen to him make it easier to turn to him? He has lived the same sort of hurts.
Or do I stand with Mary and the people watching? Seeing people hurt and knowing they cannot do anything but stay there. Do I stay by the people I love when they need me to?
The little people, the people who seem not to be important, come to bury Jesus and give him what they can. A place for the body, a place in their heart, even when everything seems useless.
Going home, sad as the cold stone is rolled to shut out all hope. How do I hope even when there seems no reason to?