Taking a stand
by Kathy Matuschka
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In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there (Mark 15:41).
Read Mark 15:40–47
On Monday, we reflected on the scapegoating behaviours that occurred at Jesus’ crucifixion. Today, we notice the opposite: people who go against the flow, take a stand against violence, anger and fear, and find a different way to be in this world.
First, we are invited to notice the women who were watching from a distance: Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, who have followed Jesus throughout his ministry. As they have cared for Jesus’ physical needs, they stay to watch over his body to the end of his earthbound existence.
Instead of running from their helplessness as the others have done, they stay.
Likewise, Joseph of Arimathea stays to care for the body of Christ in death. Even today, Joseph’s decision, in contrast to the actions of the rest of the Jewish council, bears witness to the extent of his hope in the kingdom of God.
Taking a stand against the crowd can be hard work. Unlike the people in today’s text, most of us probably won’t go down in history for differentiating ourselves from the misguided mainstream.
It can be hard work, too, to watch as others fail to even notice the fear and anger they project on others and the impact of their polarising behaviours.
Most of the time, it is the many behaving badly who get the attention, not the one or two who decline to follow along. Despite this, I choose to believe that every action toward justice and mercy – whether by doing something you know is right or by refusing to do something that diminishes others – has ripple effects in the kingdom of God, where it matters.
Loving Lord Jesus Christ, we hope for so much goodness from ourselves and the world around us, and yet, we so often fail to live up to our expectations. Give us the strength, grace and hope to start anew each day, living in the identity you achieved for each of us on your cross. Amen.
Kathy Matuschka serves within the LCA Queensland District as Assistant Director for Mission. Kathy and her husband Mark have three wonderful adult children, one lovely son-in-law and another officially joining the family next month.
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