Jesus -
The words of this sacred text bring tears to my eyes. In Your crucifixion I see those we crucify today. As we wait expectantly for Your kingdom, may we witness closely the details of Your death - a death that promises mourning, crying, and pain will be no more.
Out of jealousy and out of wishing to satisfy a crowd, you are bound, led away, flogged, and handed over to be crucified.
Shouts of “Crucify him!” echo in our souls. Who do we shout these words to today?
Clothed in a purple cloak with thorns twisted into a crown upon your head, you are struck with a reed, spat upon, and mocked.
You are crucified at nine in the morning. Those being crucified on either side of you, taunt you. Darkness hovers from noon until three in the afternoon - a darkness only broken by your loud cry and last breath.
The temple’s curtain tears, and women look on from a distance.
Your body is taken down, wrapped in a linen cloth, and laid in a tomb.
Amen.
(This week’s texts and prayers lead us to Passion/Palm Sunday.)