Save Yourself

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’ Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” ’ The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. Matthew 27:32-44

We forget sometimes how easily folks turn on one another. In pain, fear and sadness we often strike out at people who have done nothing, mocking and abusing them in our own pain. We see too many people today blaming their pain and shortcomings on immigrants and refugees, who have done nothing to them and are only seeking a better life. Jesus hung between two criminals and the pain must have been unbearable for them all. Yet Jesus did not taunt them or respond, even as the crowds, who enjoyed hanging and crucifixion, mocked him too. We might think are above that now, but some sit and watch reality TV and mock the losers. May we today have passion for those who are being tortured and abused simply for who they are. Jesus took on all our sorrow and pain so that we might be beacon of hope for the suffering.

Tender Creator, who suffers with the sorrowing

you teach us to live with genuine love and compassion

and give us your Son so we might see how to live.

This world is bathed in blood and violence now

we think we are less primitive but enjoy the spectacle

and try to step on those who are already downtrodden.

Lift us Lord, from our base, cruel words and actions

and soften hand and hearts so we might embrace others

who need to know the One who suffers with us always. Amen.