Story of the Passion: I shed a tear … for us

The story of the Passion deserves our attention and thought, as a human experience. I’ve had some years when I couldn’t bear listening to the gospel of the Passion (I “heard” it, but didn’t listen) due to its length. Some years when I’d hear babies screaming (developmentally - they should be) during and after the 20-minute read and miss the point(s). And there were years when I was somewhere else in my own human development or experience. For the first time in my 54 years on the planet, I shed tears at the reading of the Passion of Christ this past Palm Sunday. Human development theorists suggest that we experience growth spurts when we’re “ready” to receive input (receptivity) — “readiness” is the concept. I was ready.

There are many parallels to our individual lives in the Passion, as well as to our culture today. Christ being rejected three times by an apostle (i.e. friends sometimes reluctant to do the hard work required for growing and building a relationship), Jesus’ mother witnessing His death (parents witnessing the death of children to substance abuse, suicide, etc.), Christ, during beatings, being literally spat upon and berated {i.e. people who experience homosexuality, people who are cognitively disabled (i.e. “retard”), etc. by Romans questioning His claim of being the Christ — all the while maintaining His dignity and integrity…for us.

The story of Christ’s giving of self is really a harbinger for the salvation of our culture(s) — service to others. The story of the Passion of Christ impacts many religious and sectarian traditions, including the atheist tradition. Christ, as a human being in a human story, “paid forward” with His life. I think I’m overwhelmed with my own recent losses — a job loss, a friendship wounded, some family relationships damaged — but I’m also fascinated at our culture’s “entertainment” and “ways of the world” addictions: accumulation, self-absorption lifestyles. We seem to continue to give disproportionate attention to celebrity, TV shows, media pundits, wealth, the economy, etc. The media, the economy and the misuse of some technologies (texting) need to be recognized in “balance,” and can disconnect us, if we’re not careful, from practicing the core values (interdependence, full inclusion, meaningful participation, forgiveness, etc.) needed to develop relationships at intimate levels and successfully manage many of the emotional challenges we face daily . I’m reminded of Mother Teresa’s saying, “Do small things with great love,” when I think of ways in which we can begin to “move forward.” How do we “pay-forward” in meaningful ways daily? We may begin in “small ways” (dialog positively, dismiss rumor, work at forgiveness, problem solve face-to-face, volunteer, “open a door,” etc.)? Larger efforts may include addressing these questions: As teachers, do we try to shed pre-conceived notions about students who struggle and, instead, give them a chance, including focusing on their abilities? As attorneys, do we represent our clients by honoring their individual dignity and integrity in a system that sometimes puts expediency before justice? As physicians, are we taking the time to “actively listen” and respond to our patients? As clergy, do we recognize that church is about “people communing (interdependence) to love and serve their God,” not our individual agenda(s)? As politicians, are we guided by the will and input of our constituents, not our egos? As administrators in institutions, do we recognize that leadership is more about Vaclav Havel’s (former Czech Republic president) suggestion that “thoughtfulness” and honoring “human spirituality” are key ingredients to leading effectively…” leadership from the heart?”

This year, due to my own “spiritual experience blended with my humanity,” I recognize that the concepts of “hope” and “love” are enhanced in the Passion — for me. The Resurrection represents “hope” and “human resiliency” as key factors in our individual and collective growth and development. I hope we (all traditions, including those with no particular faith perspective) can re-read the Passion in the comfort of our homes and embrace the human value of “paying forward” with loving action, including forgiveness…being touched in our hearts enough to “shed a tear.”

Paul Maguire, Ph.D., lives in Palmer