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Jesus, the Cross, and the Spirit
(continuation of commentary on Rule #3)
How does Jesus save?
When we confront the forces of death, darkness, and destruction, we want to run . . . and most of the time do! Jesus is no coward. He enters into a life and death struggle with these forces that threaten and menace human dignity and all of created life. These “powers” which assail us have a clear message: human life is limited, has value only insofar as it is “productive,” “beautiful,” “healthy.” Yet this same malevolent force mocks its devotees. It holds up to them the vision of body beautiful, brilliant intelligence, sharp wit. At the same time death and the forces of death inexorably lead the human person down the path that makes this search for fulfillment fruitless, empty, vain, and – finally – self-defeating.
Some choose to run from this horrible reality, to hide or escape from it through drugs, alcohol, sexual excess, food, “success,” power, wealth, influence, distracting and titillating entertainment. Others become filled with despair – even at a very young age – and end their lives in suicide, physician-assisted murder, or – more commonly – lives of quiet and meaningless desperation.
Jesus chose none of these routes. Empowered by the Spirit, from the beginning, He chose to enter into this reality of sin, darkness, and death and to confront it. He did not rely on His own human resourcefulness but counted totally on the power and presence of the Spirit moving within Him. From the Temptation in the desert to the final confrontation in the Garden . . . in controversies with the religious leaders . . . before the court of the Sanhedrin . . . on the steps of the Praetorium and the horrific hill of Calvary, Jesus chose to confront, do battle with the overwhelming forces of Evil. He took upon Himself the full burden of humanity’s struggle: “Ours were the sufferings He bore, ours the sorrows He carried” (Isa. 53:4; see also Isa. 52:13-53:12).
This battle, however, did not end in defeat, death, and destruction. On the contrary, in the last final moment, when all seemed most lost and fruitless, Jesus “gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). The Spirit in Jesus, the valiant Spirit of Life, could not be contained by death. It was released from the historically conditioned body and poured forth as Illuminating Love, Faith, Hope, and Strength on the whole Body of humankind. The New Creation was born from that struggle – in Christ – between the spirit of death and Spirit who is “the Lord and Giver of Life.” As water and blood flow from a mother after a new child is born, likewise – after the birth of this New Creation – from the wounded side of Christ poured forth blood and water (John 19:34).
Jesus and the Spirit
But because of the darkness that is so often around us and in us, the way of the Spirit can seem very obscure. The power of sin both individually and in human culture can make us overlook, ignore, or misread the “breathing of the Holy Spirit.” Much more readily do we hear the blaring horns of self-interest, manipulation and abuse of power than the “sound of a gentle breeze” (1 Kings 19:12) as did the preeminent prophet Elijah. “Spin-doctors” – beginning with Hitler’s Goebbels – have learned to feed us information that skillfully obfuscates the Truth. Pride, greed, gluttony, laziness, anger, and jealousy still plague the human consciousness. We tend to exploit the earth and the grandeur of creation for our own selfish purposes. Authority – whether at work, in the family, in government or the Church – has a proclivity to seek and serve its own interests. Easily we become lost, disfigured through our own fault or the evil intentions of others. How can we possibly negotiate this journey?
Jesus, keenly aware of this common struggle of all humanity, has come to our aid. He recognized that finding the way to the depths of the human mystery is the greatest challenge of all humankind. It is far easier to unlock the mystery of the human genetic code than to unravel the mystery of the human heart. To assist us on this journey from darkness into Light, to open up for us the doors of our deepest consciousness where God’s Image shines in its pristine glory, Jesus left us the “Paraclete,” from the Greek word “Parakletos” (see John 14:16f., 14:26, 15:26f., 16:7-11, 16:13-15). A strange sounding word, it signifies “defender, counsel for the defense, helper, comforter, . . . assistant, lawyer, advocate, solicitor, counselor, mediator and one who exhorts and makes urgent appeals.” [1] We have a Helper whom we can count on and call on in the most difficult of circumstances. If Jesus is the Way, the Spirit is the guide who helps human beings go forward on this Way.
Suggested Process For Reflection
First, read one or more of the recommended Scriptures. Select one or two of the related Scriptures cited for your reading and reflection: Isa. 52:13-53:12; Matt. 8:16-22; 1 Pet. 2:21-24 may be especially helpful.
Second, think about what you have read. Is there anything particularly that strikes you? Is there anything you don’t understand? Is there anything that you disagree with or that troubles you? As you reflect on your experience in the light of the Scripture, how do you deal with trials and difficulties? What is your normal way of reacting? How much does your relationship with God enter into the picture as you confront problems . . . or do you really pretty much “go it alone”? Do you ever see sufferings or difficulties as “salvific”, producing good and grace for yourself and others? If so, in what way? Are you consciously aware of the Spirit in your life as “counselor, helper, advocate, consoler, friend”?
Third, talk to God about what you have read, thought, questioned, felt. Tell God what is most on your mind and in your heart as you read or listen to these passages. Any one of a range of emotions and feelings is possible to express to God: hope, joy, consolation, gratitude, anger, sorrow, adoration. The important thing is to be as honest as possible in opening your heart up to God.
Fourth, sit quietly and do nothing. Many times we are so preoccupied with talking to God that we don’t give God a chance to speak with us. God speaks best in silence and in quiet so don’t be afraid to do nothing for a few moments and then, if there is still time, begin the process over again: read, think, talk, sit quietly.
[1] Yves Congar, I Believe in the Holy Spirit (New York: Crossroad, 1997), 53.