Saturday 09 April 2022

Psalm 144

Background

Lent is a pilgrimage with Christ to Jerusalem. Tomorrow churches will re-enact Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

What is our part in Lent?

It is standing beside Jesus who wanted to protect people like a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34). It is feeling his profound disappointment when the people were not willing. It is facing with Jesus the profound betrayal of his disciples, Judas and Peter, and the general betrayal of the crowds who asked for the notorious prisoner Barabbas to be spared  and for Jesus to be crucified. It is kneeling with Jesus, who set the example of service and love by washing his disciples' feet. It is sweating tears and blood beside him in the night before his crucifixion at Gethsemane. It is remaining with him when others fall asleep. And finally it is feeling with Jesus the abandonment by God at Calvary where Jesus, alone, had to commend his own spirit into God’s hands and breathe his last.

How can this mountain of skulls be trodden by the feet of those who announce peace, who bring good news, who announce salvation?

Today the world and all of us in it, are afflicted by Covid-19 and now by war in Europe and the threat of nuclear war. After years of the pandemic, in which millions have died, the consequence seems inevitable. The economy is suffering and energy prices are rising out of control leading to high inflation. The young have lost so much of what should be their right: a normal education and opportunities to travel, secure employment, enjoy relationships, and attend church.

Maybe the only consolation is that like Jesus Christ on the way to Jerusalem, in facing his unfair trial, crucifixion and death, if we are blessed with any good news, it is that each of us will not be on our own on 'the mountain of the Lord'. There will be three Marys and John on our side, and in John Wesley's final words "The best of all is that God is with us." God is with us both now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

To Ponder:

• What does God's consolation look like to you?
• Have you experienced a fleeting presence of God? What was it like? How did it make you feel?

Prayer

Jesus crucified, remember me when you come into your kingdom!