Who? Me?

            Today I was asked to lead the Catholic Student Center’s Stations of the Cross.  I accepted, and nervously made my way to the front of the chapel.  As I read through the stations my voice shook a little and I tripped over a few words.  Then, I started to think about what I was saying.  This was a prayer, not a play.  I gained a little bit of confidence as the crowd (like 20 people, not big) seemed to fade into the background and Jesus into the foreground.

picture via NunEssential

            The reason I am telling you about this is because one verse really stuck out to me during this special time.  During the 11^th station, Jesus being nailed to the cross, the prayer quotes Luke 23:34.  Jesus says, “Forgive them father they know not what they do.” 

            When I was younger I thought that Jesus was awesome for saying that.  I mean those dudes just nailed him to a cross, I couldn't do it! Then at some point, I don’t remember exactly when, I realized that he wasn't just talking about those few men who physically nailed him to the cross.  He was talking about all of us.

            THIS was our moment, our redemption.  Jesus is offering up his suffering and death for our sake, yours and mine.  WOW! When I came to this realization my mind was blown, and I was both grateful and ashamed.  I was so overjoyed that Jesus forgave me, but I was ashamed that my sin put him there.

            Enter Frob.  This guy seriously has changed my life (if he ever knew how much I brag on him he would never let it go).  One of Frob’s go-to teachings is the difference between shame and guilt.  Guilt is healthy; it is a gift from God.  Guilt allows us to acknowledge our faults and therefore not repeat mistakes.  Shame on the other hand, is a different story.  Shame is feeling that nobody else has ever been through what we have.  That is dangerous.  That is when we start turning to ourselves instead of God.  The thing is we are not alone, Jesus experienced temptation, our brothers and sisters experience sin.  We are not alone. 

            So drop the shame and live a life of gratitude.  Jesus had your name in his mind when he was dying.  Not bitterly resenting you, but lovingly considering your unique value. 

            Do you go through the Stations of the Cross?  Have you ever considered this reading of Luke 23:34? What is your favorite station? Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Drop me a line in the comments!