A loving forsaking God: Good friday

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Was the Son of God forsaken by his Father, or did he merely “felt” forsaken? Theology scholars are divided over the issue. But how should we take those unmistakable words of Jesus?

Once I read a story that may help us understand:

“In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. The room was empty except for a wall covered with small index card files. I got closer to the cards and read, “Friends I betrayed”, “Books I read”, Comfort I have given”, etc. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

I was disturbed by some titles, “Things I have yelled at my brothers”, “Things I have done in my anger”, “Bad thoughts I had”. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards!” I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame. But then as I pushed away my tears, I saw Him. No, please, not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Saturday, 1st Week

In the past, there was a tendency to abuse the concept of sin and moral deviance, often extending it to innocent people who suffered psychological traumas.

Today, however, there is an increasing tendency to consider the criminal as a victim, a victim of social status, a victim of his genetic make up or even his psychological conditions. We are seeing more and more criminals who are more in need of treatment than in need of punishment.

So, which route shall we take?

Yes, we have heard it many times before, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” We know how doctors cure and treat patients, but what exactly did Jesus do with sinners? How did he “treat” sinners? The three gospels coincided in this point: “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus did not punish them, neither did he accuse them, nor treated them as victims. Instead, Jesus “called” them.

Judging and condemning are too often not very useful to the culprit. Excusing them for lack of responsibility is both ignoring the reality of the harm of sin and denying the sinner’s freedom. Only by calling them (to repentance), do both respect their freedom and integrity, hence, changing them into better persons.

Why has the church always been incriminated of accusing and charged with being a factory of “neurotics”? Have we learnt to call as Jesus called, or have we forgotten how he did it?