Stop. Look. Listen. Pray.

 

St. Paul of the Cross used to say that all can be found in Christ’s Passion.  Mark’s Gospel narrative of the Passion of Jesus begins with a plot to kill Jesus (Mark 14:1-15:47).  It’s a story of conspiracy and murder.  Amidst the darkness of this moment the next paragraph illumines the excessive and aromatic abundance as Jesus is anointed.  One can almost smell the richness of that moment in Mark’s writing.  Have you ever noticed, in the darkest times of your life, there was some small little thing which was a very bright spot?  Whether Jesus is reclining at table here in Bethany or later in the city of Jerusalem celebrating Passover, food is always a priority for Jesus.  (It’s one of those things we always love about Him isn’t it?)  And somehow that Passover meal becomes not only a religious act but a pronouncement and celebration to His disciples of how much He loves them.  And just like real life, when everything seems to be going really great, look out!  In the middle of this final meal together, Jesus is now being betrayed by one in His inner circle.

Whether it’s stories of Judas’ betrayal, or Peter’s denial, this narrative is filled with emotional pain.  Additionally, the stories of physical violence including torture and crucifixion revealed the physical pain.

Mark’s passion narrative illustrates the sad reality that the last few hours of Jesus’ life are a place where personal desire meets divine obedience, and personal friendships and relationships crumble.  Misaligned perceptions, false accusation, false testimonies, lies and deception rise to be the judge of truth.  Yet Jesus’ faithful testimony to the truth will be the very thing which leads to the only charge which can be brought against Jesus—blasphemy.  Notice, at no point does Jesus ever separate Himself from the accused.

Mark’s passion narrative includes other themes such as being taken where you do not want to go, knowing the authority and power of silence, and the conviction of speaking and testifying to the truth.  Simon of Cyrene reiterates the role of service even when it’s inconvenient.  And the two insurgents crucified with Jesus reiterate themes of testimony and belief.

This is a religious story.  One that takes place in a historical religious context, and yet establishes a new covenant.  He is the fulfillment of Scripture and through this story we see a kingdom is established.  Why is it the condemned man is now the king?   Do you see the paradox in this?  And speaking of paradox why is it that the Roman centurion recognizes that Jesus is the son of God, but the chief priests don’t?

This Gospel is written to jar us.  It boldly displays the anguish of Jesus and the cruelty of the process.  It screams of Jesus’ innocence, and frustrates our confidence in structures which we’ve held true for generations.  But ultimately, it drops the bomb right in our lap of that most difficult question, do you believe that good really is more powerful than evil?

As we enter into this Holy Week, it might be a good idea to stop.  Look.  Listen.  And pray.

Find the time each day to just stop; stop watching television, scrolling through social media, arguing with a significant other or a co-worker, or even something as mundane as housework.  Don’t even plan it.  Just stop.

Then look for Jesus in the Scriptures.  Just one line, or even just a word that brings Him into our presence.  It’s not hard to find Him.

As we reflect on that line or that word, listen to what Jesus is saying.  He has one purpose in His life on earth, and every word He ever said and every action He ever took was to show us the way to our inheritance in the Kingdom of God.  If we listen close enough, we’ll hear His voice urging us on.

Lastly, once we hear His voice, it’s time to pray.  After all, prayer is a conversation with God, through Jesus.  No one, including Jesus, wants a one-way conversation.  If He did, He wouldn’t have taught us how to pray (Luke 11:1-13).

If we try to follow this simple plan to stop, look, listen and pray this week, maybe the greatest event in the history of the world will be easier to grasp for many of us when we celebrate His Resurrection next Sunday.