At the cross the people stood by watching;
and the leaders scoffed.
—Luke 23.35
Three officers stood silent
while a fourth killed a helpless man, slowly.
Centurions at the crucifixion.
To kill, all we have to do is stand silent.
The killing is already going on.
All we have to do is stand by. Stay silent.
Don’t raise your voice.
Don’t protest.
Don’t question what happens.
Don’t object when the Emperor desecrates the holy place.
Don’t defy the secret police.
Don’t cry out. Don’t disrupt.
That’s all you have to do to abet the killing. Stay silent.
The killing will go on, just fine.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Unless you would like your own cross
to bear. Unless you would stand with the man
with the crown of thorns.
Unless you wish to take your faith that seriously
in these serious times.
Unless in you the Holy Spirit is already crying out.
Unless in this kingdom of death you would be resurrected.
Unless you have already died and your life is hidden in Christ.
Unless in you life is stronger than death, love is stronger than fear.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
June 5, 2020