Good Friday - Are we Empire?

 Whether we are Christian or not,  has shaped world civilizations.   We don’t have to believe the story is literally true to understand that Empire kills.  Empire erases.  Empire also took this story and used it to control.   I love Jesus the myth (story), Jesus the archetype, Jesus the symbol, Jesus my spiritual ancestor.  My ancestors teach me, and Jesus, the god of my more recent ancestors, is important to my spirituality.  Today, according to the traditions about him, principalities and powers crucified a man who ate with sinners, found virtue among despised ethnicities, healed the sick, lifted up women, and preached love, hope and healing.  As I reflect on this moment in the story, with all the power and privilege I have,  with all the parts of me loathed by others in my own culture, with all my imperfections and character defects, I consider how my possessions, actions and words reflect growing up in Empire. Jesus would not want me to feel guilty, he calls me to be his friend, to do as he asks me to do.  One day at a time, one step at a time. Do I live a life like those who crucified him?  Do I crucify my own  hate, judgment, intolerance, fear, bigotry, resentments, self-seeking, selfishness?  Do I die on my own cross daily?   To some this may seem dark.  It should.  That’s the point.  This is the part of the story where I am invited to see myself in those who felt threatened by his message; whose privilege and adherence to their (my) own cultural norms are challengeded by his teachings.  I can also see myself in Empire, in Pontius Pilate, who could’ve stood up for what was right, for justice, but instead decided to wash his hands of even having to think about any of this, who could have stood up for justice, but instead went back to life as usual. This man crucified was of another race, another culture, another religion.  Instead the governor chose to free a thief.  I can also grieve the loss, as did Jesus’ family, friends, and followers; not just the loss of Jesus’ life, but all those killed in the name of Empire today, of all that divides us today and feeds hate over mercy and leads to death of my fellows. 

The joy, power, and freedom from this bondage we will celebrate.  But today, isn’t that day.

                                             If the crucifixion happened today...