Sententia

I did a lot today. After today I think I've had about 4 different and recent experiences of the Passion of Christ. These experiences start back about a week ago when we covered the four accounts of the Passion in one of my classes. It was a really enriching experience; I understand much more of the difference of the accounts and how their four views of the same event enrich our understanding of them. My experience of this holy week would surely not been as good or powerful had I not read the four Passions.

Then today, I went to an interesting Good Friday service at the University Chapel. They read the Passion according to John and the choir sang the the parts where the crowd speaks, an interesting way to place emphasis on the crowd. Later, after doing some baking for our Chile fundraiser on Sunday, I participated in La Via Crusis, which is done by the Gloria Dei Mission. It's a reenactment of the Passion that actually takes place on the streets of Valparaiso.

For me it was powerful especially because I felt self conscious following 'Jesus' in the city where a lot of people were staring at us. It was a lot like my moment in the 9th ward of New Orleans when I had to choose between doing what felt right and what felt safe. However powerful, it was astounding to me how many people had cameras and camcorders. More participants were using them than media workers! I was pretty frustrated by how distracting they became; when 'Jesus' was being 'nailed' to the cross there were about four people recording it, most of them smiling like it was just another event their loved one was participating in. In today's culture we need some media for publicity, but couldn't just one person take video and another photos, which could then be made available to anyone wanting it later.

Finally, just a few hours ago I watched the Passion of the Christ movie with a couple of friends. It was the second time I saw it, and by far the most powerful. I was about 14 or 15 when I first saw it and I think my understanding of the importance of Jesus has developed a lot since then. The most powerful moments for me were as follows: when there's a flashback of Jesus falling down as a child, Mary hurriedly runs to his side, just before Jesus falls while carrying his Cross and Mary runs to him; when Jesus teaches about Love with the message to love our enemies - also saying "If you love those who love you, what reward is there?" (Matthew 5:43); when Jesus is on the cross and he pleads "Father forgive them, they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34); and finally, when one of the bandits next to Jesus on the Cross states that it is right for himself to be crucified, but asks Jesus to remember him, and Jesus says "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

Well this has turned out to be a heck of a long post. I really enjoy writing when it just ends up flowing like this.
I'm eager for the life that comes with understanding Jesus' life and message, and his promise that what we ask for in accordance with his word will be given to us (in God's time).