Midweek Meditation: Jesus Prays

As we prepare to remember Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, take a moment to reflect on Jesus' prayer and his agony.

conrade

Midweek Meditation: Betrayal

Why is betrayal so heartbreaking? It is simply this. There is no such thing as an enemy who betrays us. In fact, enemies will try to destroy us openly or covertly if necessary. Only those who are close to us can betray us. That is why when Judas sold Jesus out, it is a type of betrayal that cuts straight to the heart. That is what I call a "direct betrayal." That is not all. When the rest of the disciples and Peter walk away from Jesus in his hour of need, that is an "indirect" betrayal. This Holy Week, remember too that with every sin we commit, with every refusal to confess our wrongs, we are betraying our calling as disciples to be holy, for God is holy.  

The Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples
(Credit: jamestabor.com)

As Jesus takes his last supper with his disciples, surely he knows who will betray him directly, and who will forsake him. Imagine the mood as he eats and drinks with his disciples. It takes great love and patience to bear with these imperfect people. It takes obedience and utter willingness to bore the cross for the sake of following the Perfect God fully.

conrade

He Is Risen!

Today is a happy day indeed. Christians declare triumphantly the resurrection of Christ. It is historical. It is a fact. It is witnessed by hundreds of people, many at different places. The gospels recorded it. There is solid evidence that points to the resurrection of Christ. Most powerfully, the biggest evidence is the transformed people who have become disciples of Christ.

Today in Church, I told a Easter story for children, celebrated Holy Communion, and preached an Easter Sermon based on Luke 24. It is an eventful day. I returned home, tired but contented.

(Credit: www.cbmhouston.org)

While Christians remember and celebrate the Triduum, the three days leading to Easter, many Jews remember the Passover beginning Friday 6pm to Saturday. This is especially poignant for Messianic Jews, who straddles between two great traditions. One such person is Lauren Winner, who embraced Christianity from Judaism. Writing in the Washington Post's religion column, Winner argues that her Jewish background and the Passover Seder helps her to appreciate more of Easter Sunday. The kind of remembering essentially transports the past into the present, making the whole ritual very meaningful. While Jews observe the Passover Seder, Christians observe the Eucharist. The Passover Seder is the remembrance of how God delivered Israel from Egypt, and how the angel of death 'passed over' the Israelite families, and instead killed every firstborn boy of the Egyptians. I find it interesting that Winner takes issue with the Johannine version of the Passion account, in that it is particularly  the killing description of Christ, inflicted by Jews. Apparently, this is a sore point, that depicted the cruelty of the Jews to Jesus. I suppose being having a Jewish background myself is in itself an advantage. I do not experience the same kind of conflict like Winner. Yet, I think there is something important to learn from Winner's article. Christians need to read the Scriptures with sensitivity. Just because Jesus has been killed by Jews does not mean all Jews are bad.

Unfortunately, there is still some ill feelings between some groups in  both Judaism and Christianity. If Jews practice openness, and Christians practice love and acceptance, the divide will not be as wide. Perhaps, Winner is right. The message of Easter and the Passover can both be remembered with one guiding attitude. Love. In particular, the love of God.

The fact is there is one thing that makes us all common. We are all sinners, and we all need forgiveness.

conrade

Silent-Sober Saturday

Today is the last day of Lent. It is a busy week for the Christian Church worldwide. The Lent period of fasting, watching, praying, and remembering Jesus, this week is the culmination of all the Lenten preparations. Disciples remember Jesus' last Supper. Christians observe a quiet worship as they recall and read Scriptures on Good Friday. It is a sober occasion. What about Saturday?

In a world where activities and movements fill in the gaps of any empty slots, people may be wondering about Saturday. What is happening?

Nothing.

The gospel writers are largely silent. This is largely because Saturday is the Sabbath. I imagine the time after Jesus died. People went back to their homes. They returned to their former careers. They soaked up the usual routines of life. Nothing really happened.

Sometimes, silence makes the loudest noise. We need to be patient. We need to learn to wait. We need to live soberly, and quietly reflect on the deep deep love of Jesus.

Do not rush. There is no hush. If you really want to be doing something, pray. Read scripture. Maintain a casual atmosphere with friends and family. Take things easy. Go slow and steady. Be kind.

Then wait.

conrade

Were You There.... (Good Friday 2012)

Let me be brief today, that we may reflect on Christ's betrayal, arrest, humiliation, and crucifixion. The words of the hymn say it all. Listen to the words. Watch the video here.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

conrade

Maundy Thursday Reflection 2012

We are entering into the three days leading up to Resurrection Sunday. These three days are also known as  the Holy Triduum: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and sober Saturday. Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday marks the night of the Last Supper, before Judas betrays Jesus. The three significant things that happened during this night are:

1. Jesus washing the disciples' feet;
2. Jesus sharing the Last Supper
3. Jesus commanding the disciples to love one another and He has loved them.

Take a moment to pray. Then watch the following video clip that reenacts the final night.




[Note: The Youtube video has been provided by a user named 'MormonMessages.' There is no need to be alarmed. The focus is on the last night of Jesus with his disciples.]

conrade