St. Nicolai Notes

Lenten Prayer - Day 40 - Seventh Saturday (April 3, 2021)
Gospel Reading: John 19:1-42

     Jesus, we look in sorrow and shame on the cynical coronation to which You were subjected, the piercing thorns and belligerent slaps you endured. We grieve and wonder if we, too, would have cried "Crucify! Crucify!" Our hearts answer, "Yes!"

     So many sought to exercise power over You and assumed that they had real power, even when they were acting in fear. You threatened the very framework of predatory economics and military violence by which those in power attempted to maintain control. You threatened the very framework of belief systems that generated no transformation of human life, no healing, no liberation, no new relationships based in compassion, forgiveness, and generosity.

     "Crucify! Crucify!" the words exploded over You - You who brought forgiveness, new life, healing, and liberation everywhere You went. We are haunted by those words, which may so easily have been our own. 

     In the midst of threatening chaos, You declared, "It is finished." You had answered the call. You had embodied God's character and compassion. You had finished your work. We didn't understand. In fact, we barely understand now. 

     We imagine the scene until the spear pierces your side, then hide our faces. We imagine as  your body is removed, wrapped in spices and linens and placed in a tomb. We turn away, thinking, "It is finished."