Who Are You in the Passion Story?

Each year, someone sticks out in the Passion Story. Consider…

• Are you like one of the Marys, leading you to stay at the foot of the cross?
• Are you like Simon, helping Jesus and others carry the cross?
• Are you like John, comforting Mary at the foot of the cross?
• Are you like Veronica, wiping the face of Jesus?
• Are you like one of the disciples, running away in a time of crisis?
• Are you like one of the disciples who fell asleep while Jesus was in agony?
• Are you like Peter who lies and denies Jesus to save their reputation?
• Are you like Judas, betraying Jesus? 
• Are you one of the crowd vascilating between cheering Hosana one minute and then demanding to crucify Him the next?

Does your life feel more and more like the Gospels? Mine does. Every Passion Story helps us see who we are as Jesus faces his death and resurrection. We too live somewhat of a Passion Story in our lives. 

For example, this year, it’s the disciples who turn away in a time of discipleship crisis that resonates most with me. While Jesus was doing miracles, healing people, teaching, and preaching, life was good, calm, and purpose-filled. Being alongside of Him was an honor. It was exciting and full of mystery, awe, and joy! But when the going gets tough, following Jesus becomes a burden and a risk. Their life as they know it is at risk, some of the disciples run away from the scene and deny that they know Jesus as a result. They give into fear. They lack courage for the time of struggle.

While our experience may not be as severe and we may not be outright denying Jesus, there may be times of your discipleship when you want to run away, quit, or not engage anymore. Following Jesus may feel more like heavy burdens, dealing with difficult people, and risks to your precious time, finances, semblance of balance, reputation, and more.

That’s where I find myself this Holy Week. Swimming in a sea of Catholic Church legalism, heavy burdens of volunteer work, and ministry endeavors that feel more like paper pushing than serving others. Not to mention the “ugly side” of ministry and vocation has shown its colors…the Spirit is being pushed out in favor of more controls, bureaucracy, and risk management.

And so I come back to this question and perhaps so should you: Am I learning something from the characters in the Passion Story? How is God calling me to respond to the situation I’m facing in light of the Passion Story?

May we learn from these characters in the Passion Story about how to respond in the face of crisis, suffering, and our own crosses on the faith journey.