Release

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Mark 15:1-11 

When we lived in Sitka, Alaska, one of the great events of the year was the eagle release. The noble birds had all been hurt in some way and had been kept in the raptor center while they healed. The center has a high roof for the young eagles to fly back and forth in once they were well enough to spread their wings. Then at an appointed time, heavy glove clad  rangers would unband their dangerous talons and set them free. The public was invited to watch in the field at a safe distance. The birds were released, one at a time, and we marveled as they first hesitated and then found strength to soar. Most flew for a bit and then found a high branch to rest in. It seemed as if they were contemplating the reality of the freedom of their flight, looking down on all of us, so earth bound and strange. They might just have been thinking about their next meal as well.

Jesus is tested before Pilate, who seemed very reluctant to condemn  the gentle prophet. As a political ruler, he had to always plot what was best for him to stay in power. He was comfortable in his role and uncomfortable with the behavior of the religious leaders, wondering what this was all about. Relying on what he thought would be his out, he offers to release Jesus for the people. Obviously, they had other ideas. We often want to cage and abuse those who we fear, our of jealousy and pride. God's love lacks the conniving of politics, jealousy and fear. God invites us to release the gifts of love daily, rather than caging up those who make us unsettled and fearful.

Today, I ask God to help me release only love and understanding.  May our work and desire be always to set others free. May we live for justice in a world that craves power, live for love in a world that condemns what they fear and work every moment for the freedom of all.