The death of Jesus: Mark 15:21-47
Imaginative Contemplation
Convicted criminals were forced to carry the cross on which they were to die to the top of the hill. But Jesus, having been severely scourged and crowned with thorns, no longer had the strength to do so, and fell three times on the road. How did Jesus accept this humiliation?
How did the man who was forced to help him feel when the cross was placed on him?
Who were the people who were on the road that day? How did they respond to what was happening right in front of them?
What courage did it take for the women to stand at the foot of the cross of Jesus?
Enter into the scene
I was doing my annual pilgrimage, coming in from Cyrene to celebrate the Passover with my family. There seemed to be something going on in the city, so I tried to avoid the crowds. Suddenly, a Roman soldier grabbed hold of me. ‘Get away! What do you want from me? I am a visitor here. Let me go free!’ I struggled against the strong man, filled with fear and anger. ‘Don’t try to fight me!’ the soldier sneered. See that fellow over there? He’s not strong enough to carry his cross, and we need him to be alive when we crucify him. So it’s your job to make sure he gets there. No choice! You do as I tell you!’
I was horrified. How had I got into such a terrible mess? Carrying a criminal’s cross! People will think I am a criminal, too. But I haven’t done anything wrong! The soldier was staring at me, hands on hips. He banged his spear on the ground. ‘There’ll be consequences if you don’t move! Now!’
I had no option. He pulled me towards the criminal, took the cross from his back and dumped it on mine. I winced as the cross fell on me. Furious, I looked with loathing on the soldier and on the criminal. ‘Get going!’ the soldier barked. I took a few steps. Through my terror and anger, I was aware of the criminal who was stumbling forward. He put his hand on me and said, ‘Thank you. I couldn’t manage on my own.’ How could he be so gentle? It was obvious that he had been scourged. His bodily weakness was evident, yet there was a strength, even an acceptance, of his fate. As I continued to carry the physically heavy cross, my inner self was becoming light, filled with a consolation and compassion that I had never experienced before.
When we reached the summit, the soldier told me I could leave. But I could not. This man had changed my life. I stayed, even when the sun’s eclipse turned the world to darkness.
I heard that he was stripped of his clothes. I heard him being crucified. I heard him cry out, ‘My god, My God, why have you abandoned me?’ And I said, ‘Oh blessed one! I will not leave you!’ He died then, and the whole earth seemed to take a huge deep breath. ‘Indeed, this man was the Son of God!’ Yes, I believe that, too.
There was a small group of women standing near the cross. They had witnessed the whole event, and I knew their presence had helped Jesus as he hung on the cross.
The sun began to shed its light once more, and Joseph of Arimathea went to the Council to ask permission to bury the body. This was a brave thing to do, given the mood of the bystanders. He placed the body in a rock tomb and rolled a large stone across the entrance.
I can never forget the events of that day. I thank God that I was privileged to carry the cross with Jesus, this cross that is saving the world even today.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
How do I react when I am forced to do something I don’t want to do?
How can I help people carry their cross?
Can I accept help graciously?
Do I judge by appearances, considering the criminal rather than the person?
Can I, like the women, stay with Jesus to the foot of the cross and beyond?
How do I react when the sun grows dark in my life??
Prayer
Lord, open my heart to the needs of people, those close to me and those in need across the world.
May I be gracious in accepting help for myself.
Help me to value the interconnectedness of all people and of the whole of creation. Amen.