Hard to Follow Jesus

I’ve been thinking about how hard it is to follow Jesus.

Not just to believe in him or admire him,

but to follow him, to try to live and love like him.

Instead of seeking more wealth, power and recognition,

to choose what Henri Nouwen called the path of downward mobility.

Instead of defending our personal ambitions and rights at all costs,

to willingly give ourselves in service of others, for the common good.

Rather than judging people to be worthy of care and inclusion,

to see every single human as God’s beloved and to show them mercy indiscriminately.

It feels decidedly un-American.

Especially these days, with growing inequities, bitter divisions,

and raging hostilities among us.

You talk about caring for the vulnerable and marginalized or protecting the Earth,

confessing our national sin of racism or laying down our weapons,

and you’ll probably be branded.

You may receive the most scathing criticisms and even death threats

from people sporting gold crosses and “Blessed” T-shirts.

But if you do, you may just be on the right path.

Misunderstood and mocked, praised when you say what they want to hear,

and reviled when you speak uncomfortable truths.

The religious and political authorities want to silence you, take you out.

Those you count among your family and friends turn on you, deny and abandon you,

when you keep on insisting on love and nonviolence as the only way.

Sounds like someone we know.

Damn, it’s hard to follow him, to stay with him.

Especially in this week called Holy.

When his public approval ratings tank,

when the crowds shift from Hosanna to Crucify,

when he does not do a thing to defend himself,

when he willingly, lovingly goes to a brutal death,

praying for forgiveness for the very ones nailing him up.

It’s unbearable.

No wonder we’ve wanted to profess him instead of follow him.

To make of him a substitute, instead of a guide.

To make the cross a fashion accessory, not a way of life.

Lord, how did you do it?

How did you stay true to Love,

walk that lonely, painful road to Golgotha,

take all that hate and violence into your own heart and flesh?

I strive and struggle to be counted among those

who do not abandon you or your Way.

In the meantime, thank God you pray for me when you say,

Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

Grace and Peace to you this Holy Week.