The Eleventh Station
While attending the Way of the Cross yesterday evening, something came to mind. I realized that the people who were around Jesus during his crucifixion portrays the different feelings of people towards God. This is what I think.
Mother Mary: Silently praying while feeling the pain of the sword piercing her soul. Although she knew that it was injustice being meted out on her Son, she did not retaliate against the perpetrators, but prayed for them. She understood it as being an important puzzle in the whole scheme of God’s salvation plan for humans. Mother Mary signifies people who understand the work of God and submit to His will trustingly.
Sts. John and Mary Magdalene: By merely being present at the scene, they provided moral support to the Lord. They may have been confused by what was going on but they too never violently opposed the cruel actions of the mob. They probably got the cue from Mother Mary herself. Both represent those who don’t fully comprehend God’s work but nevertheless stand by courageously as witnesses and also submit to His will.
The Crowd: These people were merely bystanders. Many just came to watch a show and went away entertained but without any emotional involvement. Some may have cried as many of us do during emotional scenes in movies but the effect wears off after a few hours and everything is forgotten. For these people, they may have heard of Jesus’s miracles but since they were not directly the beneficiaries of these miracles it was insignificant. The Crowd signifies those people who are indifferent to God as they are unware of His work in their lives.
The Jewish Priests: The agent provocateurs, who instigated the crowd to convince Pilate to crucify Jesus. These people felt threatened by Jesus for bypassing the chain of command. These people were ruled by their own agenda and egos. The priests represent many of us who disparage anything good as coming from God because it doesn’t fit out preconceived ideas of God and therefore instigate others to go against God, unknowingly.
The Roman Soldiers: The people who do the dirty work. They are the ones who acted violently against Jesus. These soldiers stand for all of us who actually perform violent acts against God, i.e., the Church and her representatives. These people mock and hate God because He’s Good.
The Bad Thief: This guy refused to accept responsibility for his evil actions that caused his punishment. He mocked God rather than repent. This thief indicates people who hate God for their problems, even though it’s self created.
Dismas, the Good Thief: Dismas was a criminal who repented when he was exposed to God. He allowed God to come into his life and change him, even to the extent of having joy while being in agony. Dismas indicates people who embrace God and will defend him against the unenlightened.
Sometimes, each one of us may go through some if not all of these feelings ourselves.
