The history of the roots!

It is during the Holy Week every year, one gets a structured time to return to the roots of faith, which Jesus of Nazareth came to reveal through His incarnation, life, teachings, crucifixion and resurrection.

The lectio divina, during this week is from the events leading to the trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. 

The Last supper, which forms an integral part of this reading is a mystery that unfolds little by little when one meditates on that scene! It was more than just a meal. It was an occasion when Judas, who had plotted to betray Jesus was present. John another disciple of Jesus was most expressive of his affection to Jesus, as portrayed in the different versions of the paintings of the last supper we see in the historical museums. 

The upper room where Jesus had His last supper, is a symbol of the humanity and divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. He celebrated His life on earth. He washed the feet of His disciples. 

His last supper brought the contradictions of the final choice the disciples made as individuals. Judas parted His ways to betray Jesus and the rest of the disciples deserted Him. Peter denied Jesus when some people identified him as a follower of Jesus. 

The garden of Gethesmane, where Jesus took the disciples to pray, before He was betrayed and arrested, became a place for the disciples to sleep, while Jesus tarried in prayer alone! Jesus invoked the disciples to pray that 'you may not enter into temptation' (Luke 22:40).

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (v 48). 

Since then, the betrayal of Jesus and acceptance of Jesus continued in human history. 

The critics of Jesus and His followers referred to the act of His disciples to 'kindle a fire in the middle of courtyard and sat down together' (v55) as an example of the selfish pursuit while Jesus was tried by the authorities. In an hour of crisis, Jesus was alone and the disciples sought comfort for themselves. Is the Church a gathering of comfort seekers! To me, it is not intended to be that way. 

The photo of the roots of a tree represents the history of that single tree. The strong and robust roots held that tree for several years. 

The washing of the feet of disciples that Jesus of Nazareth performed at the last supper, is an act of self giving, which undergirds the mission of the followers of Jesus. 

From the warmth and protection of the fire, around which the disciples had gathered at a distressing time, the followers of Jesus in the world today, has a mission to move to be with people who suffer and endure the hardship of life. 

The roots represent the history of lives of those, who lived as pilgrims following the mission of Jesus, 'not to be ministered unto but to minister'. 

The Holy Week is a time to return to our roots, the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth!

Anna and I received an Easter greetings yesterday, from a friend in his nineties, who said: 'live to follow after Jesus of Nazareth'! 

The roots become a symbol of the history of the faith journey of pilgrim people!

A vivid example of the transforming presence of Jesus of Nazareth in human history, was how, Pilate and Herod, the two involved in the trial of Jesus became friends. '...before they had been at enmity with each other' (Luke 23:12).  

The message of Jesus of Nazareth then  and now is reconciliation !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)