Scripture: Matthew 26: 47-56

In a fast forward, let us see another vignette from the life of Jesus. The site is the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus has finished praying what is often called the "High Priestly Prayer." He has just prayed for the unity of the world and unity of his ministry which will be carried forth by his disciples. His disciples are in deep sleep while Jesus is praying.

We see an adult Jesus about to be betrayed by one of his disciples. Jesus wakes up the sleeping disciples and comes out of the Garden. Judas arrives with a large crowd of people with "swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people" (Mat. 26:47). Matthew 26: 58 even mentions the presence of the temple police on that site. John writes that a "detachment" of soldiers was there (18:3 &12). Matthew writes later that a whole cohort of soldiers was there (Mat. 27: 27). A cohort may have been 600 Roman soldiers.

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Immediately, Peter, one of the other disciples, retaliates (18:10-11). He draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the High Priest's servant, Malchus, the henchman who has come to carry out the order of the priest. It was an act of self-defense on the part of Peter to protect Jesus. However, Jesus commands Peter to stop. It was a radical message for Peter. Didn't he do it to protect Jesus? Jesus says to Peter, "Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Mat. 26: 52-53). A legion consists of 6,000 troops. The Human One does not depend on troops to retaliate. He shows a radical, startlingly disarming way of life.

The act of Jesus in healing the servant of the High Priest demonstrates restorative justice rather than retributive justice. At this radically alternative response to violence, all his disciples deserted him and fled the site (Mat. 26: 56).

The Way of the Cross is a challenge to the disciples. It is an upstream calling to lay down arms. It is a counter-cultural call to turn the other cheek. It is a non-violent response. It breaks the cycle of violence and brings hatred to a grinding halt. It is not easy, but neither is it impossible.

REFLECTION:

(1) Are Jesus' teachings only for one's personal living?

(2) Can Jesus' teachings be applied to community living? If yes, how?

(3) Can Jesus' teachings be applied to national and international living? If yes, how?

What are the lessons of non-violence to achieve political ends from people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez and others? Are there women who have been leaders in non-violent resistance?

PRAYER:

Dear Jesus, your models of non-violence often seem to be hard examples for us, as individuals, to practice in the public sphere. Give us the wisdom and grace to translate your teachings into our everyday living, our community living, and our national living. In your name, we pray. Amen.