Hi friends. It’s Holy Week, and I wanted to share images and reflections I wrote a few years ago for a Stations of the Cross event at church. There are 14 Stations adapted for Substack and socials, so I’ll be sending out more emails than usual this week. Feel free to read what you like and skip what you need to, or read them all next Friday. Regardless of how you go about it, I invite you to reflect on the image, Scripture passage, and meditation/reflection question in each email.
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’” Yet their testimony did not agree even on this. Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death. Then some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him, saying, “Prophesy!” The temple servants also took him and slapped him. Mark 14:55-65
One could argue that envy is at the root of the Sanhedrin’s hatred of Jesus. They want more than anything to put Him to death, to get rid of this man out of whom wisdom and healing pour into sick minds and bodies. Next to Jesus, the Sanhedrin look weak and foolish, and so they seek to destroy Him with lies, beatings, and humiliations.
You may have heard of “murderous envy,” a sentiment so strong and severe that a person will stop at nothing short of destroying another—maybe not literally, but with sabotage or with words that can destroy another’s reputation.
Reflection: Have you ever experienced envy that was so strong you began to think vicious thoughts about the person you were envious of? What did they have that you wanted? Attention? Possessions? Honors? Wealth?
Suggested Prayer: God, forgive me for my envy of a human being made in your image. Forgive me for the harsh thoughts, words, and actions that flowed out of my discontent. I give up my “right” to have it all or to be the best. Help me to be content with your presence in my life and the good gifts you choose to bestow upon me.