a series of reflections based on this online stations of the cross experience.
What does it mean that Jesus takes up his cross, and then invites us to do the same?
Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)
To genuinely be in relationship with other humans, a certain level of denying of self is essential. You cannot be in authentic relationship without denying self. And that is hard. Often times denying self involves death of self-interest in some way. So is that what Jesus means? If we are to be in relationship with humanity the way he was, we will find ourselves choosing the pain of self-sacrifice over the comfort of self-protection? If we are to engage in the world in a way that models and witnesses to Jesus, we will discover that our interests, priorities, worldview and convictions are transformed. Rather than being turned in on self, we find ourselves turned out towards the world.
And that HURTS!
It hurts to see/feel the pain of injustice and face it rather than avoid it. It hurts to stay in relationship with others knowing that relationship makes you vulnerable and open to heartbreak. It hurts to be moved to generosity and compassion.
Jesus took up his cross. He took up the possibility of pain and death at the hands of the authorities. He took up the possibility of abandonment and rejection at the hands of his friends. He took up the possibility of condemnation and criticism.
He did that not just on Good Friday. He did it daily. And to follow him…to be in the world as he was in the world…compels us to do likewise–to lean into relationships knowing we might get hurt…to name and wrestle with prejudice and oppression knowing we might lose our privilege…to embrace the full human experience (including pain and grief) rather than numb it.
And that HURTS!