Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Holy Week


Quote of the day:
"Americans have no real identity. We're all ... uprooted people who come from elsewhere."
--Leslie Fiedler

Holy Week is upon us. The week leading to Easter is the most important week on the Christian calendar. If you consider Jesus divine, prophetic or even just somewhat interesting, the week holds much food for thought. The story goes like this.

Preparing to confront his destiny, Jesus goes into the wilderness for 40 days. During that time he encounters every reason and excuse to avoid confrontation. He is reminded that there are better opportunities. For example, he could get by just fine if he withdraws into himself, or if he does what the world wants him to do.

The arguments are compelling, yet he comes out of the wilderness and goes into Jerusalem and his future. Churches usually celebrate the entry on Palm Sunday as almost triumphal--sort of like a first century ticker-tape parade with palm branches instead of confetti.

While this all may seem noble and heroic, Jesus is aware that, to really live, he must face the reality of his future. Every step brings him closer.

He is arrested and charged with inciting the crowds. Again, he is given every chance to walk away from his situation, but he doesn’t. He knows that the only way to authentic life is to follow his heart. So he is sentenced to die, and he is executed.

From his willingness to die to all the corruption, deceit and betrayal of the world, new life comes.

There’s a lot to think about here.

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