"The
Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ"
April 9, 2004
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Abba, You and I are One. But, now I wonder: Where are You? I cannot feel you. This pain….this anguish. I cannot bear this alone. This cross. These nails.
Have you forgotten me in my pain?
You have been with me, and I with you, from the beginning.
As a boy, You called in the night. You filled my heart with Love.
You spoke to me in the Temple, filling my mind with Knowledge. Hopeful Knowledge.
You filled my mouth with your Word; you helped me speak Truth.
You led me to obedience, to grow in the strength of my mother's faith.
You freed me to share your Word, your Love, your healing power throughout the land.
Where, oh, where are you now, my God, my Father?
Have you forgotten me in my pain?
The pain of flesh pales in the shadow of my anguish for the souls of these foolish ones.
Why do they choose evil?
You filled me with the power of forgiveness, Father, but, but now I falter. I struggle to breathe; I struggle to forgive. In my pain, in my confusion, Father, I beg You: YOU, Father:
"Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
You gave me friends, to pray with me, to encourage me, to serve, to teach, to heal, to feed the hungry, to laugh and to cry, together. Where are they now?
Why does only one remain here with me in my pain? Comfort him now, bring him courage.
Bless the women, Abba. Remove their fear. Bring them peace. I cannot, now, comfort them.
It is You who must calm their hearts.
My friend must now be son to my mother. "Woman, behold your son! … Behold, your mother!"
How much longer must I endure this pain? My body aches for comfort. I am all alone. Hold me, Abba. Heal me, Father. This pain, I beg you, take this pain.
They mock me-- My head is heavy…. My eyes blur…I cannot see who mocks me so.
What's that I hear? One of the thieves hangs here, yet dares to mock me, too.
He challenges me to save myself, to save him. He is bitter.
But now, I hear the other, rebuking him. This other one confesses; he knows he has done wrong. But now, he chooses Truth. He chooses YOU. In his last hour he seeks your Love. His choice brings hope. Father, thank you for forgiving him, too, and bringing him home to you. His witness brings hope to all separated from you. His choice brings me hope; brings me peace.
You are with me now, oh Father; I feel the power of your Love. We are One.
Take me. Take me now.
"It is finished."
"Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!"
| Updated 4/13 /04 |
|