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After endless weeks of tussling with callers, perpetual visits from the political elite and one exhausting parade, the conclusion to Holy Week could not get here fast enough for me.
The chance to sit quietly in a splendid church for three days of listening to someone else interpret life’s mysteries is a relief. The ancient world’s struggles make today’s presidential contest look like a blip on the historical radar. The powerful account of Jesus facing his earthly end with determination and love is a lesson for the ages. I think of the long view of history every time these three special days roll around each year. I remember the stories of my relatives regarding Good Friday, with its three hours of solitude marking the suffering of Christ. There was no sound. Radios were silenced and reflection was the order of the day. Then, there was a packed house at the church with the reading of the Passion, a heart-wrenching reminder of the ordeal of the crucifixion.
The Gospel of John was heard by my ancestors and those who came before them, yet the words are still striking. The dialogue between Jesus, his disciples and Pilate is astonishing. There’s betrayal, debate, defiance, sacrifice and regret. It’s powerful collection of speeches for the ages.
When I think of the debates of the preceding week about religion, leadership and politics, it seems so small compared to the Greatest Story Ever told. Jesus really was playing for keeps. He wasn’t saying things to placate the people or win converts. He spoke with conviction and said things that weren’t at all popular. He stood steadfast in his beliefs and didn’t ask for the easy way out, even when the outcome was inevitable. He truly offers a message of hope to the faithful. It’s more than a slogan.
I was wondering where the three candidates were during this most solemn time. Were they plotting to bring each other down? Were they listening to a message of hope? Were they writing policy papers? Since I don’t know the answer, it’s probably not fair to speculate. But, since I want the winner of the election to display rock solid principles of leadership, I hope words written 2,000 years ago somehow factored into their plan. |
Paul Harvey
