As for the leaders, they jeered at him. They said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”  The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer him vinegar, they said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 

Above him was an inscription:
“This is the king of the Jews.”
(Luke 23:35-38)

Luke 23:35-43

Jesus is still on the cross. The leaders jeer at him, unlike Christ our King, who includes and encourages. The soldiers mock him. Ironically, their taunts along with the banner above Jesus’ head affirm  him as “Christ of God, the Chosen One,” and “king of the Jews”. Jesus does not contradict or condemn them; he does not express anger or act with violence or retaliate in any way. He is silent other than for asking the Father for their forgiveness, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) He does not meet violence with violence. Will we watch and learn?

“Turn the other cheek”, Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount. (Luke 6:28) The practice of the time was to strike the right cheek of a subordinate with the back of the right hand as a sign of superiority. When the person turns the other cheek, the attacker can no longer carry out the required action to support this claim of superiority. We see then that non-violence is not passivity, but a resistance of a different kind. Non-violent resistance holds up a mirror, making visible the injustice. Mahatma Gandhi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu learnt Jesus’ lesson of non-violence and practised it to great effect. Gandhi described it as “soul force”. Violence leads to more violence. Non-violence seeks a new way to bring justice for all. 

Jesus, in silence on the cross, shows the horror of violence. He carries his own pain and suffering, along with that of all people throughout history. Jesus meets the violence being perpetrated with forgiveness, with absorption. In absorbing the violence, the new comes: he rises three days later, and is raised up to the fullness of the life of Christ. We recognise that the doors of the Kingdom of love are open. Will we follow the non-violent path to the Kingdom of Christ the King? “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

How can I practice non-violence in small things by showing compassion both to myself and others in everyday activities, perhaps by stopping derogatory self-talk, showing kindness and restraint when posting on social media, and when driving? 

Will this help with bigger issues?

Jesus forgives each of us; will we forgive each other?
 

God of Forgiveness,
thank you for teaching us that in order to participate more fully in your kingdom of love, joy, peace, and forgiveness is essential. Help us pause and connect with you before reacting, so we can reduce violence in the world and participate in your creativity. Help us to offer justice and solidarity through the gifting of your Spirit.
Amen.
 

Reflections by Kath Knowles

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