Beauty from ashes

This morning I was one in the crowd. One in a somber procession of believers following the cross through Banchory. It was early, but some folk were busy going about their business, as they would have been that first ‘good’ Friday. Some probably barely noted us; others had their own thoughts. I wondered if as a result of the silent demonstration of faith, one or two who walked counter-current to us, will one day turn and join the pilgrimage. That was one prayer.

Silence is powerful. No pressure to fill a void with empty words. Time and peace to consider Jesus. As I appreciated the colourful spring flowers along the way, I wondered if Jesus was able to take in any flashes of beauty as he stumbled through the streets of Jerusalem. Then I thought of the woman who mopped his brow, and of Simon of Cyrene who was impressed into service but then carried the cross and was never the same again. Or at least his sons weren’t, as their names show up in some of Paul’s letters. Snatches of beauty amongst the horror.

I thought of what it means to carry our own crosses today. I asked Jesus for insight and heard ... silence. Sometimes when our crosses are the heaviest and we long for a word from him, it seems we hear only silence. But his promise that he never leaves us assures me that though I don’t hear his voice, he is my silent companion, as I was his, this morning. Saying nothing, just trudging along in love.

When the Father was silent as Jesus hung on the cross, he must have longed for his voice. Instead, there were others around Jesus – not many, but a few – John, Mary his mother, some of the other women. Despite their bewildered horror and grief, perhaps some strength and encouragement was communicated to Jesus in his agony. Praying that we all may be the silent companions, or be the mouthpiece for a few words of divine encouragement, to others who struggle beside us along the way today.

If you are struggling, may you be filled with hope – a confident expectation that good is coming – and peace as you wait for Easter.

Refugee or Pilgrim?

Life deals up problems for all of us at one time or another. Some are transitory and some are serious and long-lasting. How we get through them depends on our attitude.

I think we have a choice to live life as refugees or as pilgrims. If we live for the moment, adopting cultural values and passing fads as truth, then when tribulation comes we may find ourselves staggering along the road – emotionally, physically, or spiritually – in platform stilettos, clinging to our mascara and moisturizer. In other words, we may grab things which at the moment appear desirable or essential but in the long term are just rubbish. If, instead, we live deliberately, storing up truth as part of our daily diet, then when those tribulations come we may also be staggering along a road, but our feet will be well-shod and we will be gripping those things which feed our souls – a Bible and a notebook, perhaps. 

As a refugee, every trial is negative – something to be gotten through, overcome, pushed behind us. It may be seen as a lonely time, almost a shameful time, when our lives have collapsed though others around us seem to be doing ok. It is a blip in the plan of our lives, a plan for a life of ease, perhaps, of laughter and good moments. 

As a pilgrim, every trial – though painful – can be seen as positive. An adventure, an opportunity to see new things through God’s eyes. Perspective. Vision. Eternity. Jesus promises always to be with us. Never to leave us. So as we stagger along the bumpy trail, he is there to help. Faith becomes reality, and the reality of experiencing his presence turns the whole episode into a blessing. One which might never have been chosen but which, in the end, you wouldn’t want to have missed.

We’ve known refugees, and they arrived with us carrying a couple of hold-alls. We’ve contemplated being pilgrims along the route to Santiago de Campostela, where we would carry less than a couple of hold-alls. 

What we think we need, is not always what is important. Help me to define today, in my thoughts and actions, what is essential, and what can be left behind. And to structure my actions accordingly.