Find Yourself in the Story

This is the week that changed the world. Holy week. It’s not like any other week on the sacred church calendar. I often tell those I minister to, to find themselves in the story as I read the scriptures.

No one wants to be Judas, but we all have a little Judas in us.

No one wants to be Peter when he denied Christ, but we’ve all been there. Fear of man will cause us to do many things.

There are so many different characters in the story of Jesus this week.

Remember the temple cleansing? Are we one of the Pharisees who Jesus called out as he cleansed the temple? We must recognize what needs cleansing in our own lives-pride, lust for power or control, the need to be seen and acknowledged?

Then there’s Peter, James, and John who went to Gethsemane with Jesus as he prayed, but could not stay awake. Are we faithful to pray when asked?

What about the members of the Sanhedrin who were called out in the middle of the night to accuse Jesus. Do we speak up against injustices? Where are we in that story?

Then there is Simon of Cyrene, who was present on the Via Delarosa who carried the cross of Jesus. Are we willing to suffer for the cause of Christ?

And how can we forget Mary, the mother of Jesus. What agony she must have felt as she watched her son suffer and die.

Then there’s Mary Magdalene, who had been forgiven so much. I think of her, not only at the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the apostle John, but also at the garden tomb on Resurrection day. Are we aware of just how much we all need mercy?

What about Thomas? The disciple who struggled with doubt? Do you need your faith renewed?

And I love how Jesus includes women in his story during a time when women shared no equality with men. Both Mary Magdalene and Mary the sister of Lazarus both sat at the feet of Jesus in a culture where women were not invited to do so. What privileges do we have now that we aren’t thankful for?

I share none of this to shame us, but to cause us to wake up. Take time to read the different gospel accounts this week when you have time. Meditate and contemplate on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Find yourself in these stories, in the people who are in the story and be renewed in your relationship with The Crucified and Risen Lord.

May we all surrender this week in fresh ways as we remember Jesus.

-Dana