PASSION – Read Mk 14-15
[The scenes that follow could all be expanded or contracted – the Passion could be contemplated in the round or in stages]
Contemplation
In the days since the temple episode, the tension has been growing. At lunch at Simon’s house, a woman anoints Jesus’ feet – what does he mean about anointing him for burial? ….. We eat the Passover meal, worrying – although it was strange how we found the place, following someone carrying a water jug….
[Smells, sights, what do I do when my world is disturbed or my values are challenged?]
At the table, Jesus blesses bread and wine – how do I hear his words? This is my body, the blood of the new covenant but also… one of you will betray me? Who? Why? Then, after the hymn, he says ALL of us will desert him! There’s so much tension in the garden! Fear, a sense of the walls closing in! Here comes the mob – swords and clubs and torches!
[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?]
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. 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 prejudice, mockery, people who say and do hurtful things? Jesus is there. Does that make things better or worse? What is he feeling, saying? Can I stay with him?]
Meanwhile, Peter is outside. 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?]
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 to the wood with nails and left to die, mocked all the while by officials, soldiers, passers-by, even those crucified with him. [What are my crosses? Have I been in Jesus’ position? 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 bleeding and damaged body, slide out the nails and bury this man who has held all their hopes. 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?]