FACING-UP

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 43, 17 April 1984, Page 15

FACING-UP

The Easter message

I find the old song "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" a rather moving Negro Spiritual. Every time I hear it I feel involved — perhaps even guilty. Perhaps we did have more to'do with the Crucifixion of Christ — more than we dare to admit. For centuries people simply blamed the Jews or the Roman soldier?. But that's too simple an answer isn't it? We know that we were all involved and nobody escapes. Y ou may have heard the story of the famous sculptor in England, Arthur Dooley. You can see one of his most famous works in the Benedictine Church — St Mary's, Leyland. He made a set of Stations of the Cross suited to this very modern Church. These statues tell the story of Christ 'sjourney from Jerusalem to Calvary. People have travelled all over the world to see them and . have been mystified by his very modern interpretation of these incidents the Gospel Story. He was questioned about one Station in particular — the twelfth Station — Jesus dies on the Cross. Dooley had the typical Calvary scene, the three crosses on the hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus dying on the Cross between two thieves. At the foot of the Cross his mother, Mary Magdalene and the

Apostle John. The soldiers on guard and a couple of passersby, and the Apostles hiding in the background. All this is very typical of the scene, but something was different. In Arthur Dooleys twelfth Station — if you look closely.at all the figures — you notice that they have no features. Instead of the face you have a highly polished disc — like a mirror. Dooley was questioned about this and he replied: 'Who was responsible for the death of Christ?' The interviewer replied: 'Everybody I guess.' Dooley added: 'If you look closely enough at these figures you will see a reflection of yourself somewhere there.' I find that a rather touching story. If you like — it was a stroke of real inspiration on the part of Arthur Dooley because, one way or another, we Were all involved in the death of Jesus. So it's no wonder he invited us to see our own faces in the people on the hill of Calvary. We were there somewhere. There 's plenty of room for all of us. We will find our place there whether it's with the Apostle John or Mary Magdalene, whether it's among the indifferent passers-by, or the hostile Roman soldiers. It may even be with the Apostles trying to hide away, not be a part of it,

not having the courage to face the fact. As we^hope and pray to be involved in the Resurrection of Jesus, let's remember we were certainly involved in the Crucifixion. It's through the goodness of God that we will be involved in the resurrection. It's through our own faults that we were involved in the Crucifixion. It's very true to say that we were there when they crucified My Lord. Arthur Dooley intended to give people hope, but not complacency. The Apostles declared their loyalty to Christ later than they would have wished to. Christ welcomed them — and no matter how involved weVe been in the crucifixion of Christ, we are certain that he will welcome us to share his resurrection and eternal life. So let's say a prayer: 'O God, when we remember the passion and death of Jesus Christ, your Son, help us to be confident that we have been called to share in his resurrection, and help us to attain it.'

Brian

Fletcher

Chaplain Waiouru