Meditation for the Second Sunday in Lent
Collects
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
Give us grace to discipline ourselves
in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke 13: 31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me,* “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
The classic definition of Tragedy as a literary device is the telling of a story or drama that presents an admirable or courageous character who confronts powerful forces internally or externally leading to a misjudgement or character deficiency. There is only one possible end, and the main character is inevitably drawn to their tragic conclusion. However she/ he maintains a dignity that reveals the nature of the human spirit in the face of failure, defeat, and even death. Examples throughout various ages would include Oedipus, King Arthur, Joan of Arc, Heathcliff, Anna Karenina and many others. (Space here ………. to insert your own favourite)
It would be superficially tempting to see Jesus as a tragic actor in such a drama. From the beginning of His Ministry to His crucifixion, the outcome is clearly anticipated – His enemies are many and powerful. The Accuser in the wilderness. The Pharisees and Sadducees concerned with their own role and status. Herod, the weak, thuggish puppet of Rome. The baying crowd demanding the release of Bar-Abbas. Despite all their treacheries, Jesus maintains His dignity to the end.
A classical tragedy – were it not for the dramatic twist – that the end isn’t the end, but the beginning. Unlike the other tragic heroes, Jesus has no flaw or blemish other than those inflicted by others: the scars on His back, the thorn-blood on His forehead, the betrayal by His friend.
The Gospel story is not a Tragedy – but a Victory.
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