Lent: 4/11/09
April 11, 2009
Holy Saturday
John 19:30
Luke 23:46-49
“It is Finished!”
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
– John 19:30 (NRSV)
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. – Luke 23:46-49 (NRSV)
It is finished! The End! El Fin! The show is over! Roll the credits! Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, That’s All Folks! We have come all this way to end our journey in total loss and defeat. Even as we stand in the distant safety of a neighboring hill, we know that at least it is finally over. Was it the final scream and then the deafening silence that you will remember? Was it the way we saw Marry fall into the arms of another disciple foolish enough to stand too close? Was it the way that Jesus’ body lunged forward and became still even as the earth began to shutter and move? When did you realize that it was finally over? The question that will define this generation will be, “Where we you when Jesus died?”
Not that many noticed. It all happened so quickly and at such a busy time of year. Many were just trying to get that last bit of shopping done before the shops all closed for the holiday when that paltry putrid parody of a parade passed through town. For most it was just another sad sight on the way home from a hard day at work. Some just covered their children’s eyes and offered a prayer for that poor man’s mother, if he even has one, if she even cares. Others still shouted in anger, frustration and fear. “This is the last thing that we needed, someone stirring up the Romans at such a tense and anxious moment!”, one man who wishes to remain anonymous said. “They would crucify us all if they had the chance” was another man’s response.
There were a few, like us who have followed his steps along they way but even they are starting to make themselves scarce and blending in to the confusion of the holiday crowds. But for the most part, nobody noticed and nobody cares. In a few moments, it will be like nothing ever happened. The Romans will not allow the bodies of the condemned to rot in the hot April sun as usual. Out of “respect for our celebrations” they will probably burry them together in a shallow grave amongst the garbage outside the city gate. And nobody will notice except the dogs that live outside of town, they always notice. Filthy beast.
I guest that’s it. We thought (and maybe dared to hoped) that this time it might end differently, but I guess we bet on the wrong horse, again! So much for a kingdom of peace without end. So much for turning the other cheek and praying for those who persecute you. Might wins out in the end. It is finished. The end.
I heard someone say that Peter and the guys are going to lay low for a few days and then go back to fishing in Galilee. Others are going back to Emmaus and Bethany as soon as the Sabbath is over. I think I might reopen the accounting both; it is tax season you know. That’s what they say isn’t it; nothing is certain but death and taxes. I hate to leave you like this, but what else is there to say. Forty days and then this! I will try to catch up with some of the others and bring you any updates on future plans and ideas that they might have tomorrow. But for now that is all the news there is from Jerusalem.
May God be with you all on this Passover.
Shalom Chaverim,
Matthew
Matthews Tax Accounting and Collection Services
“We get you the best rates for the best price!”
Come and see us next to Crazy Moe’s Discount Donkey Emporium
(We Speak Greek!)
