Holy Week 2009 – Thursday – Maundy Thursday

Greetings Dear Reader,

What really died on Golgotha? Today I would like to offer some perspectives on the events that we commemorate. The witnesses to the crucifixion all had a reason for being on that hill. Some knew Jesus and some did not. Perhaps they have something to say that will teach us how to better view the event.

We will start with the thieves. One of them saw only opportunity. He like so many others would have Christ use his power to remove him from the situation he was in without truly seeing why he was in it or having the change of heart suggested by the consequences. He could only seek to use Christ for his own benefit. The other thief saw who Christ is and responded to that identity. He only asked to be remembered. This simple act of faith, of believing that Christ is so much more than the naked man on the cross guaranteed the thief a place in paradise.

John, arguably Jesus’ best friend was there. Even thought he fled Jesus’ side at the arrest in the garden he was at the cross. Jesus showed the depth of his forgiveness of his friend by entrusting the care of his mother to John. John alone among Jesus friends returned and risked being associated with the condemned Messiah.

Mary, the mother of Christ stood there helplessly watching her Son die. The death that has chased her Son since Bethlehem is at hand. Others had died along the way because he lived. She could see him dying and knew that he had the power to destroy all those hurting him. She KNEW her Son’s identity. She watched as he let mere men beat and destroy his body. Mary witnessed it all from conception to crucifixion. I know what it is to lose a child and this woman amazes me.

I would also like to consider the Roman soldiers. We should first understand that what they did was a regular duty for them. Crucifixion was a common punishment in Jerusalem. These were hard men who dealt in death. They were efficient killers who knew how to stretch a man, drive in the spikes, and when it was time break legs. They were efficient at suffocating men in one of the most painful and shameful ways possible. They had seen everything that men can become when faced with a merciless death. This is the thing that keeps my attention. This is the moment that chills my spirit and forces me to see Christ for who he is.

At the end of it all, when Christ had allowed death to claim him, Longinus speaks. What this hard death dealer says will mark him for the rest of history. His confession, after dealing so much pain and seeing men in their dying moments is one that haunts every doubt I dare to have. He witnessed all that Christ said and did on the cross. He saw him refuse the drugs that would lessen his pain. He heard him forgive his friend by entrusting him with his mother. He heard Christ forgive us all because of ignorance. Longinus saw all this and heard Christ cry out to the Father at the end. His response is one we all need. We all need to echo his words as we view the dead body of God on the cross of Golgotha. “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn