The Cross

Luke 23:33–46

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

Reflect

Here stands the cross.
You have carried your stone through betrayal, reaction, systems and sorrow.
Feel its weight.

This stone holds what you have seen —fear, anger, silence, regret, fatigue, longing for change.

Jesus knew this would happen.
He came anyway.
He knew love would be rejected.
He loved anyway.
He knew violence would answer him.
He refused violence anyway.
“Father, forgive them.”
This is strength deeper than retaliation.

Now walk the path of the Labyrinth to the centre and place your stone at the foot of the cross and leave all that you put into the stone there.

You are not placing it there because you are condemned. You are placing it there because Christ has already chosen mercy.

Lay down your stone

As you walk the path out of the Labyrinth, let your hands
and your heart, feel lighter.
Given thanks for love, for forgiveness.