He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8
Sometimes it takes illness to remind us of our limitations and humanity. None of us is exempt from the onslaught of colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections, nor, in fact, the ravages of age itself. Those of us who have reached milestone, and honoured ages understand the process by which our physical goals diminish, but our desire to achieve great things has no bounds!
The three-year journey of Jesus to Jerusalem, during which he ministered, preached, healed, served and loved came to a close, beginning with his entry into the city, greeted by the cries of ‘Hosanna!’ and the heralding of palms. The coming week brings both the agony and the ecstasy of his decision to accept the will and plan of God. His acceptance is of heroic proportions and divine in accomplishment. He is not the aged, sagacious Father of his People. He is young, at his peak, his disciples have not yet understood his message, there is so much more he could do – and yet everything he has said and done these past three years is leading him, thrusting him to the tree of life.
These days of darkness and shadows reveal the fullness of Jesus’ humanity as he struggles with the choices before him, the finality of his decision, the acceptance of and release of his self, his body, his life, for his Father, for us. Indeed, as Paul writes: He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
What an awesome mystery this is, what surrender, what passion.
A part of us too should ache with the knowledge of that passion, for that is our share in the mystery. Join us as we remember and relive the Passion of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Mr Peter Douglas
Director of Faith and Mission