Passion – Read Lk 22-23
Contemplation
[The scenes that follow could all be expanded or contracted – the Passion could be contemplated in the round or in stages]
It’s Passover, and we are all together celebrating the meal that reminds us of how God freed the Jewish people from Egypt. While it’s supposed to be a time of joy, everyone can feel the tension. Jesus has been having trouble with the religious authorities, especially since the other day, when he chased people making money out of the Temple! Also, one of our people, Judas, has been acting strangely – he’s not even here! We saw him whispering to someone from the Temple. Where could he be? Getting to dinner was also a bit strange. Jesus asked us to follow someone with a jug. When we arrived, we found a whole room set up! [How do the people feel? How do I act in times of stress and tension?]
At the table, everyone is eating together, sitting and lying on the couches around the table. When we eat, we lie down on couches around the table, reaching for the traditional lamb and herbs from a low table in front of us. The food tastes and smells delicious, and we remember the story of Israel being saved from Pharaoh. During and after the meal, Jesus blesses bread and wine – how do I hear his words? This is my body, given for you! [My body … we don’t eat people! What does he mean?] This is the blood of the new covenant, but also… one of you will betray me? Who? Why? The disciples don’t seem to be taking it in, though – they are already arguing which of them is the best while Jesus tries to get them back on track.
Then, he says Peter will turn on him. Peter promises to be loyal, but Jesus says he will deny him, not once but three times this very night! But then he says he must strengthen his brothers. Very confusing.
There’s so much tension in the garden! Jesus is sweating and praying as he stretches out on the grass in the cool evening. Fear, a sense of the walls closing in! The disciples seem to be shutting down – they keep falling asleep. Here comes the mob – swords and clubs and torches! One of the disciples lashes out with a sword and cuts the ear off one of the mob. He works for the High Priest, and I see blood spurt on his fancy robe and hear him scream. But what’s this? Even as they are pinning his arms, Jesus touches the man and the ear is better.
[Sounds, sights, what is it like to eat and drink with Jesus? My body and blood? Who will betray Jesus? Is it I? Can I be with him in his fear? Where is my Gethsemane? How do I react to fear and hate?]
Peter is outside in a stone courtyard. People move around, there are guards with sharp swords and heavy clubs. It’s cold and dark, so he stands around a smoky coal fire with other people. He was brave to go in but now, in the cold outside and with people on the other side asking him hard questions, he’s in a fix. A girl comes up in the firelight. “Hang on, I know you, you’re with him up there.” “No, not me”. “He’s one of them.” “I’m not.” “You even talk like him.” “Not me, I swear.” In the cold dawn, a cock crows. What have I done? [What’s it like in the courtyard? Does my courage leave me? What do I do?]
While this is happening, we are taken to a “trial”. People who are supposed to be respected, and fair judges are unfair and hurtful. The trial is not real because the judges have already made up their minds. The Roman governor, Pilate, thinks there’s a problem and sends him down the corridor to the Jewish governor, Herod, who sends him back. Pilate calls all the leaders together. Here they come, robes rustling, servants at their sides. They are all very self-important. Pilate tries to persuade them to lay off, but he’s too weak to stand up to them. Jesus is stripped and beaten. [Sounds and sights and smells in the courtyard? How do I feel in the face of mocking and hurt? Have I experienced people pretending to be honest? What happens when people pretend to listen to me but don’t? Does that make things better or worse? What is Jesus feeling, saying? Can I stay with him?]
Now the pretend trial is over, Jesus is hit some more and attacked in the courtyard. A heavy piece of wood is put on his bleeding back. He is taken out to be killed. Someone is dragged in because he is too weak to carry the cross. He is hammered in the wood with nails and left to die, mocked all the while by officials, soldiers, passers-by, even one of those crucified with him. The other thief is … different… though. He seems to get it and Jesus, even in his suffering, responses. He really cares for this man. In fact, he seems to care for everyone, asking God to forgive them. [What are my crosses? Can I experience other people’s hurt, even in my own? What do I feel? Can I stay with him?]
Darkness, a cup of wine, a cry of agony and the Temple curtain torn. The drama seems to be over but the mood of the crowd has changed. Even the soldier on guard seems to have changed his mind. [Who is this Jesus? What do I feel? Can I stay with him?]
Unseen, unregarded, some people have been staying. The women watch the scene and, with the help of a sympathetic councillor, move from the foot of the Cross to take down the damaged body, slide out the nails and take it down with all its blood and holes. There is a rich tomb in a garden which the elder lets them use. With them, we go to the quiet place, put the body in and roll the stone shut. [Where am I, can I feel the mood, the scene? Who is helping me carry the body? What is the tomb like?]