We are at that time of year again where Lent is over and we are at the low point in the Triduum. We are at the day of the crucifixion and we will have time shortly to venerate the cross. While we can certainly agree this is not a joyous moment in the liturgical year, we have a benefit the disciples and all the others at the time did not have. We know what happens next, even though Jesus told them this they were still not sure what was about to happen on Easter.

Even knowing this though we need to look to the way we each lead our lives and see if we find ourselves anywhere in the story of the Passion we heard twice this week. I can say that at different times in my life I have certainly felt like a number of different players in the events that played out, including the crowds that were yelling crucify him.

We can all at times be led astray from what Jesus has taught us through his example. We can fall for the slick sales presentation or the attractive new guy or girl we see. There is a reason all those ads on TV use attractive models to pitch their products. We all want to feel that we are like the cool kids, who look good, dress nice, drive the nicest cars and have the latest gadgets.

When we see a disfigured, or less attractive model trying to sell us something we will tend to tune out when maybe we should be tuning in even more closely. We hear from Isaiah that;

See, my servant shall prosper,
he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
Even as many were amazed at him—
so marred was his look beyond human semblance
and his appearance beyond that of the sons of man—
so shall he startle many nations,
because of him kings shall stand speechless;
for those who have not been told shall see,
those who have not heard shall ponder it.

This shows that looks do not make the person, what they say and how they act will lead people to believe and follow them.

                                        

Our image of Jesus when he was in human form is always portrayed in a handsome form in the movies and in pictures. This is not a mistake by the artists. They know we respond better to one who is attractive than to one who is not. We will pay more attention because not only will our eyes want to see him, but we also want to be like them.

What do we see though when we look at the crucifix? We see a man, beaten, torn, and with a crown of thorns that was supposed to be a King. Of course, Jesus’ kingdom as he reminds Pilate today is not of this world or he would not have had to suffer like he did.

Through his suffering though he unites our suffering to his and becomes our conduit to the Father who does not wish us to suffer. If we can get beyond the idea that our suffering, no matter how large, or small it may be is somehow a punishment from God we will see that uniting our suffering to Christ’s will help lead us to eternal life. I hope no one here ever has to be crucified, as it certainly seems like one of the worst ways to die.

If we unite our suffering to Christ we also know that he will understand as he at one time bore the sufferings of all humanity as a human being, yet he never sinned. He can relate to our suffering not as God does, but as all of those around us can. We all will suffer at one time or another in our lives and not all of that suffering will be of a physical nature. We will suffer the loss of a loved one; we will suffer the breakup of a relationship we thought was good.

Christ suffered like each of us and continued on his path, regardless of the ridicule and personal suffering he had to endure. He did this to show us all how to lead a life based on following God. He also was doing this to show those around him that while we may be ridiculed, persecuted or even put to death for our beliefs that if we continue to turn to Him for guidance and strength our ultimate destination will be to join him in heaven.

When we turn to God and humbly begin to follow him, we will be able to begin changing from a dialogue of us versus them to a dialogue that includes all. This does not mean watering down our principals in order to fit in someone else’s idea of inclusiveness. Jesus never did this. What we saw right up until the end was a man who followed God as he opened the door from heaven to earth.

If we can believe in God as Jesus did and work for the betterment of society, not ourselves then we will help form a better society. I always hear the 60’s were a time of turmoil and upheaval in this country. Since I lived in the 60’s there was certainly upheaval, but the change took place within a reasoned discussion between the two sides. Were there instances of violence, sure there were but somewhere there were people who could listen to each other regardless of the side they were on. They could relate to the suffering the opponent was going through and wanted to help alleviate it.

If we begin to unite our suffering to Christ we will become conduits to assist conversations between the two sides. We can help eliminate the bickering that we see in society and especially in politics. It seems like we have fallen back into schoolyard bully session, whoever talks the loudest and puts down their opponent the most is the winner. Not because they are working for the betterment of society but because they would like all the power. We as Christians need to see past this and work have a discussion that will bring sides together. We will never within this human world make sure that all suffering and disagreement is in the world. We can, however, take as an example the man on the crucifix and ensure that we do our best to unite all people together rather than divide them.