SOLDIERS WERE EVERYWHERE as Jesus struggled up Calvary to be crucified. Executions were on a schedule and there were crowds to be controlled. Wherever they are mentioned in the Passion account the soldiers are seen as thugs, merciless experts in cruelty.
Surely soldiers are taught to be killers and these Roman soldiers had apparently learned their lessons well. But is there a little of the Roman soldier in each of us? The one who takes his/her power too seriously? That aspect of myself that forgets it is people who I'm dealing with and not a plan or day to be managed, a job that's got to be executed, "Come hell or high water."
The inner Roman soldier sees people as an inconvenience; can be scary, moody and testy. The Roman soldier is hurtful, humorless and pushy.
On the other hand, there is a Christ-person within me too, (don't doubt it) the one who is full of light and compassion. How can I lift him up? Unbind her? Allow him to be heard?
Our Father Who Art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
