Bob Warwicker's blog

…a time to remember who Jesus is for each of us.

…a time to remember everyone who meets their death at the hands of a brutal empire.

In today’s lectionary, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.

Washing their feet is leadership.

Breaking the laws that you yourself made is not leadership.

In the lectionary for Wednesday of Holy Week, we read about Jesus being betrayed by Judas. “And it was night.” But the writer of John’s gospel also tells us, “Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified…”” It’s hard to see ‘glory’ in such a time, just as it’s hard to see glory in the deeds of darkness and times of suffering reflected in the News.

Present-day brutality and suffering don’t seem glorious to me. The Gospel is about a particular person at a unique time in history, though … Jesus, who can offer us a different way to conduct our lives.

The word ‘betray’ might well have been appropriate then. But for our age, it rings alarm bells with me. The language of betrayal is used too often by despotic narcissists who believe, “l’état, c’est moi.”

Also, actual nights can be glorious. The night sky, the sounds of night creatures – these are things to celebrate.

From today’s Lectionary (Tuesday of Holy Week)… “Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”” Jesus is going to die. He describes himself as the ‘light’. He helps people see things they didn’t see before. They can know God better.

Needing the light is a more general thing, too. Democracy depends on people knowing what is going on, so they can make informed choices. So when knowledge becomes so important, it may not be surprising that some leaders choose to keep their people (and possibly many others worldwide) in darkness.

Let’s all long for the light, love the light, seek the truth, however inconvenient it may turn out to be.

In today’s lectionary (Monday of Holy Week), we remember the nature of Jesus, reflecting the prophecy of Isaiah;- “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.”

This goes against the ruthless, brutal culture of 21st century capitalism, whose message is more like “crush the losers”. I believe that Christianity is a faith for losers; Alleluia!

Went to an excellent Palm Sunday service today.

Making a racket

In tomorrow’s lectionary, the Palm Sunday story, we read this… ‘Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to [Jesus], “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”‘ The disciples of Jesus (lots of them, not just the Twelve), were making a noise and celebrating Jesus’ entry as ‘king’. Unsurprisingly, there were some Pharisees who didn’t want the boat rocked. The crowd seemed dangerous. But the devotion to Jesus soon evaporated, and the crowds turned against Jesus. I’d sooner people (I too) followed Jesus with just and faithful lives, rather than making a lot of noise that turns out to be empty.

Put a peg on my nose and ordered some paid for LFTs today. This is a novel approach from the government nudge department – making you pay to do the right thing.

And from Sunday’s Lectionary, the Psalm, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

Because of my beliefs, I’d relate that specifically to Jesus. But I think I’d also say that this could be one of God’s characteristic ways of acting, defying our expectations and maybe upsetting our power structures.

I can but hope.