I Thirst

The Phoenicians were the first to devise crucifixion. They had tried death by spear, by boiling in oil... I will not get into more of their macabre methods, but they realised that all their methods were too quick. They wanted a means of punishing criminals slowly, over an extended period of time.



The cross suited their purpose perfectly, since not only was the punishment slow and painful, it also served as a deterrent, as it was visible to the public. Sometimes men clung on to life for over two days, hanging on the cross in the scorching sun, presumably screaming in pain.


Initially, the authorities even stripped the wrong-doers, as nudity added to the shame of being on the cross, and at the same time made them helpless as thousands of insects stung them. Since this kind of punishment was generally given outside the city, birds of prey and animals looking for food waited patiently at the foot of the cross... waiting for the men to die.


The scorching sun, stinging insects and hungry wild animals were a lethal combination which could kill even those guarding the prisoners, and they learned that driving nails into the wrists and feet led the men to die in a few hours, rather than a few days if they had been tied with ropes. This was exactly what the authorities wanted and they just left those on the cross to their fate and withdrew the guards posted at the cross... so bad were the conditions around the cross. As for those nailed to the cross, we can assume that they were in a lot of pain from the nails tearing into their flesh, the hot sun, dehydration and the insects.


Jesus was nailed to the cross and suffered this punishment, which was reserved for their worst detractors. But it was not as if he was just brought to the site straight from the prison. He suffered much more torture than was generally meted out to hardened criminals. He was captured the previous night and was on trial the whole night and early the next morning. For nearly 14 hours, he had no food or water. There has been considerable loss of body fluids due to the flogging and torture.


Let’s try and understand the pain we went through: The nailing of the feet was done to provide a cruel ‘step’ for the person to support himself, and breathe. Otherwise, the sagging body would go into spasms which prevented exhalation. The victim would then quickly suffocate due to an inability to use the respiratory muscles. As the hours wore on, the body was soaked in perspiration. Thirst became intense, while pain and shock were tremendous.


Jesus had to use the nail that was driven through his feet, as a step, to hoist himself with his arms, just to speak... the words from the cross are therefore no ordinary words. There must have been an intense reflection and thought on what to say and to say it in those few seconds he could heave himself up.


Jesus by saying “I thirst” communicates a human need. I would like us to meditate on two dimensions in this verse.


Firstly why were we unable to perceive the human need of Jesus? Even if we did, what prevented us from taking action and showing empathy?


This was not the first word of Jesus. He has addressed all His key stakeholders:


- Enemies & World At Large


- Neighbours and those in Need


- Family


- God


Now in this word he expresses His own need. Unfortunately no one has perceived or even taken action to satisfy His need.


We do expect loved ones to respond, but that does not happen. What is the response to this expression?


We notice three possibilities in this situation


Respond : Most obvious to satisfy the need.


Indifference : We may never know the reason for the inaction but consider the residue and hurt it leaves on the person in need.


Being Cruel or Dysfunctional : Causing even more pain instead of helping. Giving vinegar when you need water as an example. Incidentally this was very cheap and a popular drink among the soldiers.


While we may not wish to be in the cruel response, can we at the time pause and say I will be more active and respond to those in need than be inactive or indifferent?


We now come to the second dimension in this incident. Pause with me carefully as we need to refer the verses again.


Psalm 69:21 prophesied, “They gave me vinegar for my thirst.”


Jesus knew the scripture even in pain. He created a context to fulfill the scripture. He did not say give me vinegar. But by saying, “I thirst” created a context for a response.


The soldiers though ignorant of the prophecy had an option to respond with water but chose to be cruel.


Our reflection to this is, “What can I do to fulfill the scripture in my life?”


There are two prerequisites to make this happen.


1) Knowing the Scripture.


2) Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.


Why is it important to fulfil the scripture through our lives?


It is said about the young Mary who told Gabriel, “I am the servant, may it be to me as you have said.”


Today an increasing number of people do not know the Lord and his saving power. We as a community of Jesus have the responsibility to make the scripture a reality in their lives. We can also create context to fulfill the scriptures.






Jesus in all his intense pain and anguish said “I thirst.” Can we also say with the same intensity?






I THIRST - For the scripture.


I THIRST - To Fulfil God’s will in my life.


I THIRST - To bring others to Him.


I THIRST – For Integrity, Peace and Justice.


Amen

What would be your First words from the Cross?

Here a few verses from the Bible which are the words of Jesus.

• Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven - Luke 6:37
• But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Mathew 5:44
• For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive them, your father will not forgive you - Mathew 6:14
• If you hold anything against anyone forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you - Mark 11:25
• My command is this “Love one another as I have loved you.” - John 15:12

These are familiar verses. What do they mean to you? These are teachings of Jesus. We can say they are ideas and concepts. We often say “people say many things but they behave differently”. We use the expression “actions speak louder than words” and agree with that expression.

Let us move to Calvary and picture Jesus Christ. The same Jesus who fed the 5,000, who healed lepers and walked on the water, is now on the cross. He is crucified. His hands are nailed and he cannot touch a child or a sick person. His feet are tied and he cannot walk to Lazarus’ or Jairus’ house. What actions can he perform? For you and me it’s impossible to even think of doing anything... after all, what can you do when you’re nailed to the cross?

Amazingly, Jesus does something, that too for others! He uses his lips to pray for us. In doing so see the congruence with his words we heard earlier and this prayer “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

This prayer is in harmony with his teaching in Mathew 5:44 which says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

We have two things to learn from this prayer for us. Jesus has the power forgive the sins of the world, yet in this case he asks God to forgive our sins. Why does he do that? What is the example Jesus is trying to teach us? He is telling us that even though he was violated and was about to be killed, he would pray for those who persecute him.

The lesson we learn from this is that in forgiving others we create a forgiving spirit in ourselves. Having a forgiving spirit drives away hatred and malice. It also gives our body and spirit a wonderful healing... but if we nurture hatred, a part of us dies with that hatred.

This is a powerful testimony of being different. In also saying “I thirst” and “My God, my God why have you forsaken me,” Jesus gives us a picture of his humanness. This is a testimony to others that we are different and dare to be pleasantly different. Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Friends, are we willing to take up the cross daily to follow him? It seems practically difficult, yet we must strive for it.

We have just read Jesus’ first words from the cross. My question is, when we take up the cross to follow Jesus, what will be our first words from the cross?

We have three examples of first words from the cross.

There is a word of ridicule: The thief on left was angry, irritated and deplored his plight. May be there was injustice in his case; perhaps his punishment was greater than his sin. We may never know what was his emotional state was, but what we know is that his first words were words of ridicule from the Cross. In doing so he failed to see the Saviour.

Next, we have an example of repentance: The thief on the right correctly identified the Christ.  When he looked at Jesus on the cross and his own cross, it was too difficult for him to bear. He rebuked the other thief’s ridicule and asked for forgiveness. We have an example wherein repenting the thief on the right set himself apart from the world. He was courageous to take a stand. The words of repentance draw us near to Jesus.

Then we have an eloquent example of reconciliation: In forgiving others Jesus brings about reconciliation. Reconciliation means that you become friends with those who persecute you. Jesus made the prayer of the angels at his birth “peace on earth and goodwill towards men” a reality with forgiveness and love.

When we are hurt, there are three ways to respond: either by ridicule, repentance or reconciliation... and the choice is entirely ours. May we choose the right one to glorify God.

O Lord, because we often sin, and have to seek pardon, help us to forgive as we would be forgiven. Neither mentioning old offences committed against us, nor dwelling upon in thought; but loving our brother freely as you freely love us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

An Acrostic

I was pondering about the words  WAR and PEACE.  We use these  words  quite frequently,  we have instances  where "war's" have been fought to bring " Peace".
Any way to  understand the words better I prepared acrostics of these words which perhaps give a perspective.
War could  well mean
Wasting
Away
Resources

If that is War  what could be  Peace?  My answer is

People
Enjoying
Affection  &
Care
Everywhere.

May we  all enjoy Peace and Happiness.

The Music in my Heart I bore long after it was heard no more....

I got to know Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson  about ten years ago  when we  had an opportunity to take him with us to the Republic Day "At Home" hosted by the Governor at Bangalore.  It was a slick evening  tea and  being  a first time at a Governor's home when Admiral Dawson  guided us and introduced us  affectionately to many  of his aquaintances and  officers.  Nazarene and I  chatted with him hesitatingly and  we got a bit more relaxed on our  way back.   There is always a romantic appeal when you  encounter  a Chief of Defence and so we did listen to some of his  experiences. 

We met a couple of times socially  at Church where  each interaction was gracious and memorable.

One sultry morning in May that year  I recieved a call  where the voice at the other end  said "  can you join us for a dinner on  Saturday ?  "  "  I am Stanley Dawson here"  Nazarene and I  went over  by 7: 45 pm or so when  entered a full house.

The  quiet lane in Fraser town was bursting with peals of music and  song. We found  several of Admiral's friends all accomplished  musicians  in their  own right, one on the guitar another on the violin and some on the piano  with others in unison singing the old  retro favourites.  The verve with which each sang was enchanting and joyous.  The food was delicious  and it was served in the choicest of spirit.  Admiral Dawson and his sister Thelma  were warm and hospitable to each of their  guests.  I remember having a scoop too many of the vanilla icecream with the proverbial Chocolate sauce. 

Admiral  iinvited us  to listen to the Naval Band  when they visited Bangalore that year and played at the IISC.  Admiral was in rapt attention listening to the sailors  play  tune after tune.  I particularly  remember the haunting sound of the picolo played  solo by a sailor. He greeted us  with remembrance and told us  he was glad we came.  

I met Admiral again at a funeral of the  spouse of a HR Colleague at the St. John's Church and then we lost touch as we moved out of Bangalore.

On a bright Sunday  morning in April 2007  we saw  Admiral Dawson at the St. Thomas' Cathedral, Mumbai.  Several members were greeting him  after service.  Nazarene and I walked up to him and greeted him with a view to tell him of our earlier meetings,  we were pleasantly surprised to  be remembered  by him,  He did cut a joke  on Human Resource persons with Nazarene and my late Father in Law Kaushal.   When we went to say bye to him he asked us   to go with him to the Naval Officers Mess at Colaba.  We agreed and followed  him to the top most floor of his Guest room at the Mess.  The view was fantastic with the Arabian sea on either side and a nice breeze blowing even the tuft on my pate.

He listened attentively to our Children and  despite our  anxiety to   ensure " good behaviour"  he allowed them to be free and  narrated   " war stories"  to our son.  The children got to sample their choices  from the mess as well.  Admiral shared his concern for  people with disability and his vision for the artificial limb center.  We were happy we could give our mite as well on listening to him.  

Admiral touched  our family in a quiet and affectionate manner.  Relating to another as human touches the core.  Admrial did that in a very  unobtrusive manner.  A veteran of many battles both at sea and board room he was  gentle and warm as much as he was astute and brave.  

Farewell Admiral Dawson   and  I surmise our short meetings  as  " the music in my heart I bore long after it was heard no more!"  

Latent Darlings

We have a couple of hillocks overlooking my bedroom window.  Till a couple of days ago they were dark brown in colour, sans greenery, sans trees, scorched by the desert sun.  Looking at them one shuddered during summer as they radiated the heat of the desert sun, even at night.  Since the last three years the rains had failed and I observed that each year the hillocks had become more fierce and devoid of life.

The hillocks were the bugbear of neighbours, be they old men or housewives.  The neighbourhood gave them up as an evil to live with and endured, due to the abundance of "heat" generated by them.

But then suddenly they have endeared themselves to the neighbourhood.  It was as if a miracle had taken place.  There was however nothing significant or spectacular which turned the public opinion of the neighbourhood in favour of the hills.  What happened was in fact quite banal and mundane, we just had some rainfall.  The gentle rain permeated to the core of the hillocks and lush green blades of grass sprang up.  It soon became a pleasant sight adored by one and all.

Little did we realise that the hillocks were capable of being so verdant and pleasant.  We had given them up for good.  But all along they had it in them.  It was latent character not seen.  Because this character was not seen they were misunderstood.  But again the irony is that it just took three days of gentleness and love to enable them to come forth in their true colours.  Three years of scorching rigour could not, but love helped the hillocks become dear to everyone.

Love your Neighbor as Yourself

I was waiting at a traffic junction near my office yesterday afternoon as my car was moving at  a snails pace  due to the downpour.  I had not much options but to look  left out of my window,where I noticed a pile of plates waiting to be washed after the customers had a meal at the roadside eatery. One of the worker removed the top most plate to separate a spoon and put it in a basin for washing. With the slow moving traffic and thankfully with no familiar ring or beep on the blackberry I kept lazily looking out.  What happened next aroused my curiosity. The plate next on the pile had a morsel of rice and a piece of potato, when a young lad of about fourteen years, picked up that morsel in his hands. 

I wondered what would he do and expected him to feed some birds,  but in the rain would the birds come? 

The lad walked ahead another ten odd steps as my car also moved forward and he gave that morsel of rice to another lad of a similar age, after which in one swoop he washed his hands in the rain water puddle by the side of road.  The second boy ate half the morsel and with a smile on his face fed his ' brother' the other half.

I was reminded of Viktor Frankl who said :  

“We who lived in the concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: The last of his freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.

I narrated this 30 second incident to Esther, my daughter who is eleven. She thought about it for a while, touched by the boys concern for his brother said with moist eyes, " Daddy there is so much caring in the world"

Wisdom and Innocence

Several years ago when I first read the verse   " Be ye wise as Serpents and innocent as doves" ( Mathew 10:16)  I was intrigued.
These are the words of Jesus and why is there a reference to the Serpents as being wise.  With time and experience it dawned on me  that  

Wisdom is a state of mind while Innocence is a consequence of action.

There fore while we may possess the knowledge and wisdom on the various disciplines of our vocation  we need to ensure that our  actions should  never make us  feel guilty or be called  guilty.