I am greeted by a returning visitor in my tiny garden today. who has shown me that what I do does make a difference for the better.
Before you embark on this journey with me, I will guide you to ensure you get to the end where there is an invitation to everyone to join together in upholding the tenderness that exists around us and how we can use the power of our love to ensure longevity on earth. My personal reflection leads to the current COVOD-19 lockdown situation and how God is asking us to open ourselves to his calling. There are 14 scriptural Stations of the Cross for us and then, with renewed strength from his light, the invitation to join with your fellow Catholics and Christians in answering God's call to generously give him our all.
"...for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him" (Francis: 2015).
The bees have been gone since before the drought which is a long time. We did not have flowering plants but now they have returned.
My heart soars with delight at my prayers being answered.
Praise be to you Oh God of love.
I nurtured the plants to flower and now they are giving nourishment to the bees.
Our little garden is full of flowers, herbs, fruit - tomato and gooseberry and a vegetable or two and I have poured everything into it and we praise and thank God our Father for our constant reward.
The wins today is this tomato flower growing high above the Tecoma Maria and almost as tall as the bougainvillea! I look forward to adding its fruit to our plate soon. We all need this joy from our personal space, however big or small. Let us share these rewards with each other. If you don't have a place of joy, make it for yourself. Contact me and I will help you.
We need to keep this micro-world safe at this time where the local and global, macro world is in chaos with the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa is on lockdown from 0:00 Friday 27 March 2020 for three weeks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was not bright-eyed like he is normally when he addressed the nation on the evening of Monday 23 March 2020.
Life is different. Change has happened without our choosing. Everyone is affected even if we are not, and do not get infected. It is predicted that 60% of the population could become infected. Covid19 is all around us.
The implementation of the South African COVID-9 lockdown for 21 days is a balancing feedback loop that will hopefully flatten the curve of infections and contain the spread of the disease. But is 21 days enough? China was on lockdown for 2 months. Will the vulnerable South African population be able to comply? And will the law enforcement between the SAPS and the SANDF be 100% effective? Anything less than 100% will probably result in the failure to flatten the curve and contain the spread of COVID-19. The outcome is unknown and no matter what it is, the life we knew has gone.
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It was National Water Week from 16 to 23 March. Saturday 28 March was Earth Hour. These annual, global important environmental days are forgotten as the focus is on protecting human wellbeing with the COVID-19 deaths reaching 64580 in the world on 5 April 2020. Tuesday 7 April is World Health Day. Climate Change is high on the global advocacy agenda this April as we acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on 22 April 2020.
Mother Nature is in control though and as humanity is locked down so Mother Nature is taking over again. Dolphins pushing shoals of anchovy into the bay at Langebaan as never seen before. , Unpolluted skies in Wuhan and other places after Lockdown,
We need to look see and listen to Mother Nature.
Now is the time that we really need to keep fully aware of life on earth unrelated to this disaster. We really need to recognise the common threads that bind us together. The threads between critical Climate Change issues that are also killing our present way of life and life with COVID-19 needs to be acknowledged so that steps can be taken to protect the whole complex social and natural ecosystems and their services. We need to discover the worth in each thing. We need to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature and we journey toward infinite light.
The fear we are all feeling now is due to the uncertainty of the future. The presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in these crises times is so relevant in the Word of God as the 'Word' that became flesh and is still dwelling amongst us. The light from the word is visible around us. We need to open our ears to hear as this will assist us to overcome our doubts and believe.
Do you feel Jesus in your home? Do you see him in the eyes of the person walking down the road with all their possessions in a shopping trolley?
Can you see him in the eyes of your loved ones? In the people standing in queues in shops? In your neighbour? In morning light and sunset? in the majestic mountains and the wide-open seas? in the beautiful living plants and trees around you? In the insects and birds and animals around you? In the protection and support, we are receiving from our Government. Jesus calls us to a life of humility, poverty and mercy.
Our church, both local and universal are so sensitive to the suffering humanity is experiencing at this time of COVID-19 crisis and they are nourishing us virtually - pray reflections, Holy Mass celebrations that you can stream into your home, programmes on bible study including contemplations on daily and weekly readings, Catholic social teachings, informing us of issues around the world, praying the rosary and the stations of the cross.
During this Lenten time, as we head toward Palm Sunday and Holy Week, we become aware of how Jesus suffered in his life. Archbishop Stephen Brislin makes us very aware of how similar the time of the actual Crucifixion and the times we are living through now are:
The coming days of Holy Week are once again a time of intense meditation on the passion, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time that reminds us that Christ was crucified by an unholy alliance of religious selfishness portrayed by the scribes, Pharisees and other religious leaders. He was crucified through the political expediency and compromise of Pontius Pilate and Herod, and the cowardly greed of Judas. He was crucified through their fear, a fear that did not leave Peter, the disciples and others in the crowd untouched. The selfishness, expediency, greed and fear represent the darkest aspects of human nature that sadly enough continues to exist even today. The world in which we live is marked by a sharp and ever-increasing polarization, passion, anger and even hatred - often manifested in social media and in political and even religious discourse. The agony of this time gets even heavier by the confined spaces and the restrictions placed during the National Lockdown.
We are experiencing this uncertainty and fear that the COVID-19 virus can enter our bodies at this time in our lives today, and we might fall ill or we might infect others. Let us find a quiet space and reflect on the path Jesus endured through the Scriptural Stations of the Cross where, by allowing Jesus Christ to be in us we can hear, feel and see what he had to endure as he gave up his life for the sins of the whole world.
THE SCRIPTURAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Let us pray
God of power and mercy, in love you sent your Son that we might be cleansed of our sinful ways and live with you forever. Bless us as we gather to reflect on his suffering and death that we may learn from his example the way we should go. We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
1. Jesus is on the Mount of Olives in the garden of Gethsemane.
We reflect on the life of Jesus on earth until the end of his ministry. Mary became the mother of God when the Holy Spirit overshadowed her. The Word became flesh when Jesus was born into poverty, in a stable with animals around him. The poor shepherds where his first visitors. He grew up as a normal boy into a young man embracing the tenderness in all that exists, protecting life and caring for all he met with love. At the end of his ministry when his time had come, Jesus was on the Mount of Olives - Gethsemane where he felt the pain of the world. His anguish turned his sweat into blood.
"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."(Matthew 26:36-41)
If I allow the Lord to work in me and through me, I will have the strength of his arm to also embrace the tenderness around us especially with this state of emergency and be filled with peace, harming no one.
2. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested.
Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
(Mark 14: 43-46)
It was on the Mount of Olives where Judas' betrayal of Jesus was revealed.
Jesus' apostles and disciples and all who followed him were his brothers and sisters and Jesus taught us to harm no one, as he put back the ear of the soldier that Peter had cut off. Judas' regret of his betrayal caused him to take his own life. Jesus wants us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten, who are precious in his eyes.
Do we feel betrayed by the people who brought infected meat to that live food market because life will never be the same for us? There is speculation that some countries are not providing the accurate results of COVID-19 infections and deaths
This little girl was born HIV positive with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis. As there was doubt that she could respond to medication, a decision was taken that she would not be given the required medication. With her tiny hands bound, alone in the hospital, she lost her life 3 days before her first birthday, abandoned and forgotten, with no hope.
The disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of humankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy the freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people."
"...all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." (Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2020)
When the world awakens to the deeper beauty and utter mysteriousness of being human and Nature we will uphold the absolute mystery.
I ask for the courage to carry the hardships, burdens, and sacrifices I experience in my life and to be conscious and engaged as I reach out and touch the world.
3. Jesus is condemned by the San Hedren.
"When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth." " (Luke 22: 66-71)
The San Hedren was not the legal body to condemn Jesus. Those who feared Jesus were desperate to have him gone. They tried to trick him into a confession to validate their objective.
When people were infected with HIV, fear of being infected developed a stigma that condemned them. The horrific HIV positive stigma is still very prevalent today. There are still nation leaders who refuse to acknowledge Climate Change. Do we understand the impact of us breaking COVID-19 curfew? Being together with too many people, stockpiling with no consideration for those who can't shop as they only get paid at the end of the month.
Poachers are cruelly injuring and damaging certain species, alienating babies from their mothers and causing the tragic extinction of particular species Are we conscious consumers?, Do our decisions to purchase plastic and then dispose of them add to the growing plastic pollution problem that is causing ocean warming and acidification?
Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness that we may never cease to work to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised. Let us leave a wonderful lasting sustainable footprint.
4. Jesus is denied by Peter
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that, he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. (Matthew 26: 69-75)
A sense of self-preservation emerges with the fear of being hurt or in Peter's position, arrested and likely also condemned. We protect ourselves and our own at all costs. It takes enormous self-discipline to step out into the line of fire. People are making excuses that they really find valid to justify their actions which are contrary to the law at this time of COVID-19 lockdown. Trust dwindles because of selfishness and greed. People are increasing profit margins on goods in demand at this time of disaster.
The pain of loss when a close one is taken by this virus will make those people feel the guilt Peter felt when the cock crowed.
Many people are blind to the damage their actions have on the Climate Crisis. Flying extensively, driving vehicles that emit high levels of carbon monoxide, pulling out trees because they obscure our view, killing insects, littering, using plastic unnecessarily, poaching ocean species, being irritated with the beggar on the corner and many other human activities that negatively affect our world and our people, hugely compromise our own peace of mind. Do we feel that we have shunned our responsibility to stewardship when we are made aware of the impact of our actions?
Lord, grant us the gift of honesty that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
5. Jesus is judged by Pilate
"The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas... [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified."
Pilate was not a Jew, he was Roman. He was impartial but he heard what Jesus was saying but he expected Jesus to help his decision, Jesus did not give him. Pilate was so torn in his decision making that he literally 'washed his hands' of his guilt of handing Jesus over to the whole Sanhedrin full knowing that Jesus would be crucified.
Too many people are still closing their eyes to the facts of COVID-19 and are not complying with the Lockdown 21 promulgation. Some shops were still full of people, some essential businesses are not supplying their staff with safety equipment. It even seems that some areas are conducting their lives as if there is no Lockdown. The result is going to be an unnecessary tragic loss of lives and COVID-19 will remain part of our lives for much longer affecting each one of us very drastically and the economy will crash.
The recommended change of behaviour in order to turn Climate Change around is just not happening. We leave activism to the few, we accept services that we know are not correct like the lack of recycling and the management of plastic in the retail markets, we close our eyes to the bad decisions made for the millions of people constantly trapped in poverty. We still buy fish on the endangered list. When we witness illegal activity regarding poaching we turn a blind eye for fear of our own status and perhaps life.
An ecological conversion within our own souls where we will care for our common home will start when we open our eyes to the beauty, mystery, and wonderment of creation. The vast tapestry into which all life is woven.
Lord, grant us discernment that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly." (John 19: 1-3)
After Jesus' whole life on earth, the way he was cruelly tortured and tormented at the hands of the Romans must have been so devastating for him. Perhaps he coped with the physical pain because his internal pain was so huge. His patience and love for us gave him the stamina to endure it all.
Humanity's lack of care is scourging the earth with an ever-growing amount of pollution.
Lord, grant us patience in times of suffering that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
7. Jesus bears his cross
"When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. " (John 19: 6, 15-17)
The poverty trapped communities carry their crosses with utmost resilience. The difficulty they have in travelling to and from their homes in search of sustainable living is tough, carrying heavy parcels, sometimes not getting what they need because it is impossible to carry. Putting themselves at risk on overcrowded public transport.
During life on earth, seldom has there been a time when literally every person on earth has been confined to stay at home due to a life-threatening pandemic. This is a trying and dry time in our lives like the Jews who spent 40 years in the desert. We all have no choice but to pick up this cross and carry it. But with God in our hearts, we will come through it. We must just be strong for ourselves and we must help other people be strong. It is time to be responsible and think of others. Be conscious of the presence of God’s word in his people. To trust in God’s word and to trust in his providence finding that life and joy live deep in our hearts (Brislin, 2020).
Lord, grant us the strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
8. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
"They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. " (Mark 15: 21)
The call for ecological conversion will be heard if we are able to see how our change will make the lives of others better. When we reach out to those in need like the beggar on the corner or the millions of unemployed and unskilled people that make up the youth as well as adults in our country by sharing our resources and skills with them, we are helping them carry their cross as Simon helped Jesus.
Lord, grant us willing spirits that we may be your instruments on earth.
9. Jesus meets the woman of Jeruselum
"A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" " (Luke 23: 27-31)
Jesus knew the agony and struggles women would have throughout the ages and he wanted to give them the strength to be able to cope. Jesus wants the value and importance of women to be upheld on pedestals by their loved ones and communities. Women are the fundamental cloth and fibre of life. in homes and in communal circles.
Lord, grant us gentle spirits that we may comfort those who mourn.
10. Jesus is crucified
"When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." "( Luke 23: 33-34)
Jesus' crucifixion was a horribly painful and disgraceful form of capital punishment used in the ancient world. Jesus suffered excruciating pain as he was hung on the Cross.
Sometimes we discriminate against others. Even without thinking, We judge others because of their color, intelligence, income level or name. We forget that we are to live as a brother or sister to all people. Sometimes we use harsh words when we speak to our children and family members. We overlook important things in life for self-indulgence.
Those who have suffered and died from COVID-19 also felt lost and betrayed as they were left to die alone, with no loved ones near them.
Lord, grant us merciful hearts that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
11. Jesus promised his Kingdom to the repentant thief
"Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." " (Luke 23: 39-43)
As of 4 April 2020, over 61 141 people have been taken by COVID-19. The pandemic has not yet reached its peak. Let us look at our relationship with Jesus and stand strong and proud of our belief. By keeping Jesus in us, we too will be welcomed into His Kingdom when we are called home.
Let us also grow closer to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and reach out in kindness and dedication to ensure a future healthy and peaceful life on earth for all, rich and poor, weak and strong, insects, animals, the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and all nature.
Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you.
12. Jesus speaks to his mother and his beloved disciple
"Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. " John 19: 25-27
At this time when we are locked down in our homes alone, as Jesus asks John to open his home to Mary and Jesus asks Mary to take John to be her son, let us keep Archbishop Brislin's words that he shared during his prayer and meditation on 1 April 2020 Deepening a covenant relationship with God who is calling us to continue in the word and we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Open our hearts to God's word and that word will find a dwelling within us, and we will become hearers and doers. The word will find light in our lives. Opening our minds and enlightening us with the truth. Live by the truth. Speak and promote the truth. God will be with us in our suffering protecting the essential workers and the health care workers and those who are open to being infected. As Jesus asks John to take his mother into his home, we are reminded of the disparate living conditions in South Africa from those who live in large homes with many bedrooms and bathrooms and gardens to walk in. Those who are confined into apartments or flats sometimes on the 6th floor or a room in an old age home. Those who live in matchbox size houses where a couple of generations live together on top of each other. Those who live in shacks and informal settlements, subject to weather. Those who live on the streets. A grim picture of who are we as a South African Society emerges. Very often we take poverty for granted.
Hopefully, the Coronavirus has made us turn outward from ourselves to think of those who are more in need.
The word, who is Jesus Christ is with us living in our hearts. He lives in our families and in the world. Always present to us. It is now that we must turn to him trusting in his mercy and in his strength which will get us through these grave times.
Our faith is being tested and we need to have the perseverance to be strong in our faith
Pray for ourselves, our country and for the world – pray for a solution to the pandemic in the form of a vaccine. or healing medication.
Be generous with kind actions, kind thoughts and words.
Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
13. Jesus dies on the cross
"It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last. " (Luke 23: 44-46)
The death of Jesus had to happen for the acknowledgment of the sins of mankind and to allow the Holy Spirit to be with us always.
On 5 April 2020, Over 64 000 people have died from COVID-19
More pandemics are predicted and if the Sustainable Development Goals are not met timeously, the world will not be a place for human life so every human being needs to become active stewards ensuring responsible and healthy lifestyles. We need to live our lives leaving a wonderful and lasting footprint.
Lord, grant us trust in you that when our time on earth in ended our spirits may come to you without delay. Father into your hands I place my future.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
"When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in the new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed." (Matthew 27: 57-60)
Jesus was taken down from the cross and through caring friends and community members, he was laid in his tomb. They rolled a big stone in front of the tomb and went home full of sorrow.
But we know that at last Christ was laid to rest, Jesus has achieved his goal
"Christ's victory of the Cross reminds us of Christ's triumph over his adversaries. They call us to celebrate God who brings light out of darkness, life out of death, the new out of the old. With His resurrection, the pain of death vanishes and the gloom gives way to the dawn of hope. Through his death, Christ has reconciled the world to himself (cf 2 Cor 5:19) and he will never abandon us. This Easter holds out a message for us all, perhaps now more than ever: the darkness will end and the warmth of the sun will envelop us. No matter how hard and difficult things might be right now, let us never give up. Christ has triumphed and with him, we will overcome all things." (Brislin, 2020))
Lord, grant us your compassion that we may always provide for those in need.
Let Us Pray
Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven and reconciles all people to you. May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
AS WE JOURNEY FORWARD
Holy Week is here and as we take the last few steps toward Easter, let us use all these ways to reflect on this Holy time. We are invited to think about the joy and hope of His Resurrection. Contact me at bcb.laudatosi@gmail.com or +27828555582 to assist you in finding the links to the various and wonderful prayer and reflection tools available.
Please seriously consider joining us at a webinar presented by Br. Terry Dowling on 9 May 2020 at 10:00 where you will be taken on an incredible journey on how we can together, renew our fragile planet and save our world and our people.
