Our Crucifixions

This week is Holy Week and, as we contemplate the story of Jesus, it is also good to see how his story reflects our own life.

The idea of crucifixion is gruesome. It is not an easy way to die. But from a symbolic standpoint, we can all acknowledge that although we have not gone through an actual crucifixion, we have all had challenges. Maybe you are experiencing one now. And those challenges can be extremely painful, if not physically, then emotionally.

Jesus taught us by example how to go through a time of challenge. In the Garden of Gethsemane, before he was arrested, Jesus prayed for hours. He knew what was to come and was preparing for it. So Jesus taught us to stay prayed up.

Jesus taught us that the crucifixion was not the end, but merely an experience leading to a resurrection. In other words, we don't need to stay on the cross. Have you ever met someone who stayed on their cross for years, getting mileage from their afflictions? 

After Jesus was removed from the cross, he spent three days in the tomb. For us, this time in the tomb may represent a time of resting, contemplation, a time of preparation for the next step in our process. If you have recently gone through a difficult experience, you probably know how important this time apart can be in preparation for going back out into the world. Think of the plants and animals that go into a state of dormancy or hibernation during the winter months before the spring. It is their time of resting and preparation for what is to come. It can feel dark in the tomb of our experience, but as they say, "It's always darkest before the dawn."

Wherever you are in your experience--whether it's an approaching challenge that you are preparing yourself for, in the midst of the crucifixion itself, or in the tomb--know that you are not alone. God is with you. In my next post, I will talk about the next step--the resurrection.