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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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March 2007 |
From the Bishop:
Uphill to the cross
Following Jesus is uphill in the sense of being a challenge, but also uphill in the sense of being a pilgrimage to the higher ways of Christian life. |
During our recent Indiana Area trip to the Holy Land, we walked the Via Dolorosa - the way of sorrows - that Jesus walked up to Calvary. Today that path is on the street level in the Old City of Jerusalem. We passed a variety of shops and vendors along they way. Most of the shop owners came out to greet us, and then seeing that we were just another group of Christian pilgrims, they returned to their shops. No big deal, just another passing parade of Christians. I wondered if it was like that when Jesus carried his cross. Did people just look and see it was another crucifixion procession - no big deal - and they returned to their work?
At one place along the journey, we were allowed to travel down to see the excavations which have revealed the street level from Jesus' day, including the actual stone pathway where the Roman soldiers played games and gambled for Jesus' clothes. Even today pilgrims can see the marks in the street pavement where soldiers played their games of chance, mocked the prisoner Jesus, and then started him on the way of sorrows. Little wonder that faithful Christians have always opposed gambling. We remember that while Jesus was giving himself for the sins of the world, others simply gambled. That contrast between giving and gambling surely summarizes the difference between two perspectives on life. Followers of Jesus never see life as a gamble; we see it as a gift.
Walking along the Via Dolorosa is an uphill journey. In some places it is downright steep. Somehow that seems appropriate - the journey to the Cross is an uphill journey. So it is for us today. Following Jesus is uphill in the sense of being a challenge, but also uphill in the sense of being a pilgrimage to the higher ways of Christian life.
"Christian Perfection" is what John Wesley called it. The faith journey of the follower of Christ is always an uphill path. When we follow Jesus we also grow more and more Christ-like - more patient, more loving, more forgiving, more trusting in God, more willing to be a part of the reign of God. Following Jesus is an uphill climb.
Too many people today, including too many religious leaders in our culture, seem to want to make Christianity easy. Walking the Via Dolorosa reminded me that it is always uphill to the cross. May God bless you during this season of Lent, and may you keep climbing toward the cross of Jesus.
Bishop Michael J. Coyner
Indiana Area of
The United Methodist Church
Making a Difference in Indiana
and around the world.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008