Pub Theology 4/2/24 — Who are you in this story?
Last week was Holy Week, which means we’ve finally made it through the penitential season of Lent and into an Easter season of resurrection and renewal. But before we look ahead to the sunnier spring days approaching, let’s spend a little time reflecting on the week just past.
Holy Week starts with triumph and ends with triumph, but sandwiches a whole lot of tragedy there in between. Jesus with his disciples enters Jerusalem to the cheers and jubilation of the crowds on Palm Sunday. On Thursday he shares a final meal with his friends, who can’t be bothered to stay awake with him while he prays, and then one turns him in to the authorities for arrest. On Friday Jesus is dragged before a bloodthirsty public, tortured and executed while his friends ( save for the women closest to him ) deny and abandon him. Then, finally, on Sunday comes the ultimate victory of the resurrection.
An article published at mbird.com describes the events described above as “whiplash week,” and I think that’s a really apt analogy. “Holy Week might as well be called Whiplash Week. We move from the joyful celebration of Palm Sunday, to the deepest despair of Good Friday, then back to the elation of Easter in quick succession. There is nothing mild or moderate about these events. The pendulum swings fiercely.”
The article linked to above, as well as this one which reminds us that while Jesus’ male disciples had gone off into hiding after the crucifixion, the women were still there on Friday and Saturday, getting things done, gives us an opportunity to find ourselves in the story of Holy Week. Who do we identify with, and which side are we on?
There are lots of options for us to consider. Are you part of the crowd that welcomes Jesus into Jerusalem, paving his way with palm fronds, cloaks on the ground, and shouts of joy? Or are you in the crowd calling for his blood at the end of the week? Or are you there for both? Are you Pilate, dodging responsibility and washing your hands of the whole messy affair? Are you with the disciples basking in the adoration of the crowds, or at dinner expressing shock that anyone would betray their master? Do you fall asleep while Jesus prays, then run for the hills when the soldiers show up? Or are you with the women, quietly getting things done while the men disappear, rewarded with the first glimpse of the risen Christ?
Who are you in the story? We’ll talk all about it in our conversation tomorrow evening, Tuesday April 2. Join us of the discussion starting at 7pm at Casa Real in downtown Oxford.
