John 18:28-38: Glory, Part IX: Handing Ourselves Over
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
The scene of Pilate moving from inside to outside and back again as he links Jesus and his accusers is an interesting one in which we see two worlds, two understandings, two ways of thinking collide. In the end, Jesus allows himself to be handed over for judgment, punishment and execution . . . and in so doing he demonstrates to his followers how we are to behave when faced with insurmountable odds. We are to obey the voice within, follow the example of Christ, and rest in the peace of the Holy Spirit to become the paradoxical witness to the world we know we are called to be.
Today’s lesson on Glory: When we hope to avoid suffering, we also avoid opportunities for intimacy in Christ.
In an auditorium recently in which young people had gathered to raise funds to help a sister parish in Haiti, teenagers sang and swayed to music glorifying God and his awesome works. I was struck by their innocence and fervor, and I prayed that the crosses they had already born, along with the ones they would be called to bear, would not weigh on them too heavily. And then I remembered that earlier that evening I had seen evidence that perhaps these young people were not so innocent of suffering after all. Tucked quietly in an alcove behind the table where Haitian coffee was being served to guests was a simple hand-painted sign clearly written by a youngster . . . and as I read it, I hoped that this young woman or man understood the enormity of the citation cited from the words of Mother Theresa of Calcutta:
I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.
This speaks such plain truth. And yet we fear the pain and suffering which leads to this tremendous love in which we might rest for eternity. We too often rush to the arms of denial, quick comfort, or easy silence which gives assent to corruption and wrong doing.
In today’s reflection we see this truth in the gestures and words of Jesus who allows himself to serve as savior and symbol for all peoples of all times and all places.
May we serve as humble replicas of this paradox of Christ’s love. And may we come to know God’s glory through our simple acts of handing ourselves over to God.
Search for information about Theresa of Calcutta and reflect on why and how her presence among India’s poor gave rise to opposing views about her work. Consider how this paradox may or may not be a sign of God’s glory in our time.
Image from: https://www.holyart.com/blog/saints-and-blessed/story-mother-teresa-calcutta/
Adapted from a Favorite written on September 14, 2008.
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