“Just about 99 per cent of Mark’s Gospel encompasses the preparation to crucify Jesus, Jesus’ crucifixion, or the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion. The cross, it appears, is not optional equipment for a faithful ministry.” - Dr. Will Willimon; Northern Alabama bishop, United Methodist Church
North American Christians do well during Holy Week to inquire how we’ve come to embrace the curious notion that following Christ is a breeze. How easily we forget that Jesus consistently acknowledged the cost associated with identifying as one of his followers.
He called the original disciples to “leave” that which was of great importance to them to follow him. He advised that true discipleship entailed taking up a cross - and he was not referring to that silver or gold thingy we piously hang around our necks. I raise this matter of what some have designated “costless Christianity” following a particularly intense winter of listening to dozens of Christ-followers sort out major challenges they’ve encountered in their lives. For many, whatever Mother Nature spared by way of winter madness this year was more than made up for by staggering bouts with winter sadness. Take, for example, a former colleague who lost his 14-year-old daughter in a mid-January traffic accident. Life goes on, of course, yet it will never be the same for him as he adjusts to living with unanswered questions.
Displaying an honesty not all believers are comfortable with, he recently wrote me:
“An interesting and at the moment discouraging and even terrifying question is: How are you doing? “We say it so quickly as our ‘hello’ - it is a cultural signifier. I never thought about it when I said it in the past...not until lately.
“For me that question shuts me down, among other unpleasant things in my mind, especially if it has expectation of response. What thing will be asked next? Will I have to re-experience the horror through the probing? So to those who in a well-meaning way want to ask that question - my response in advance is that I can’t answer that question at present. Saying ‘fine’ like the typical quick response seems dishonouring to my daughter. Less words is more at the moment. Walking in the valley of the shadow of death is just that, difficult and silent. I am not able to exude joy at the moment although I do feel some very deep peace, that I am being carried. I am finding great comfort in the words: ‘Blessed are those who mourn... for they will be comforted. For me, much lies in the ‘not yet’ of the future…”
Re-reading my friend’s words this Passion Week, I’m thinking that such sentiments, were we truly honest, reflect a visceral engagement with reality. The kind of visceral engagement Jesus demonstrated in that gut-wrenching question most will ask sooner or later: “My God, my God, why?”
The cross reminds us He has been there too.
Tim Callaway is pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Airdrie. You can contact him at [email protected]
