Uniquely in our Lectionary, we have such a
choice for this Sunday. We can celebrate this day as either Palm Sunday or
Passion Sunday. We may prefer Palm Sunday because it is a happy day. Passion
Sunday calls us to confront the pain and suffering of the Crucifixion and in
the world.
We are not called to the pursuit of
happiness in following Christ. Joy is a
Fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us. In the Good News Bible, an American
interpretation, maybe influenced by their constitution, the word that is
“blessed” for us is translated as happiness. But “blessed” and “happy” are not
synonymous. We can still feel blessed even when we may be suffering. Suffering
is part of the human condition. Some suffering comes in following God’s Way. It
is usually a result of God’s Way colliding with powerful forces such as
self-interest, greed and control. This is the type of suffering Jesus endured.
Some believe we should suffer as penance
for our sins. Another form of suffering comes because choosing to do wrong robs
us of life. There is pain in guilt and shame. Much suffering is the result of
others doing wrong; in seeking power and wealth and failing to care or share,
we hurt others. Much suffering is inexplicable and it is painful to live with
this. Some comes from so called “acts of God”. We may try to avoid suffering by
avoiding the suffering of others and pretending to ourselves it can’t be as bad
as people say.
It can be a relief for those
suffering to know that others have felt as they are feeling and that it is okay
to cry out to God. In the reading from Isaiah 50, the writer has been
disgraced, intimidated, bullied and insulted, but is still able to praise God
because God helps and strengthens him. The Psalm [31] contains an incredible
list. The psalmist laments that his eye, soul, bones and body have wasted away
and strength failed because of his misery.
God doesn't tell us very often
to stop complaining. Nor does God tell us to pull our socks up when we are in
pain. God is far more likely to invite us to rest and to be gentle with
ourselves as God is gentle with us, or to offer us strength to persevere.
Suffering shared with God is suffering halved. Let us be honest about agony;
that of God, that of others and also that of ourselves. Then we too, can heal
and help and ease burdens ready for resurrection life!
Rev Julianne Parker
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