REMEMBER THE CROWDS SO DENSE that the paralyzed man had to be lowered down through the roof to meet Jesus? (Mark 2:1-12) Remember the bleeding woman so pressed by the crowd that her best hope was only to touch Jesus' clothing? (Mark 5:21-34)
Now the crowds have all gone away and Jesus is left, hands tied and standing in a dark shadow. Can I feel the loneliness of Jesus in this scene? God knows my own tremendous loneliness and fear of being forgotten, marginalized, ignored. The danger is, that in so fearing loneliness, I compromise myself, making dreadful choices by which I lose my dignity, the grace of my soul, my balance, perhaps an important relationship. Rather, here I am invited to find my way to Jesus who knows so well the human pain of loneliness.
Oh Jesus, thank you for sharing with us the deep pain of human loneliness. Now I hold this scene in my heart, standing so close to you while Pilate gives his lecture. And may I comfort you?
Silence
Our Father Who Art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
