The Passion of the Christ

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (I saw that movie) has just a few modifications to it and it is now tomorrow morning's Palm/Passion Sunday sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk:

"The Passion of the Christ" text

"The Passion of the Christ" podcast

I saw that movie

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:


I saw that movie, The Passion of the Christ, when it came out a few years back. I was one of the people who really appreciated the filmmaking, the editing, the way the story came alive on the screen and the emotions it brought out from the audience.

I also didn't think it was a movie everyone should see. The violence, gore and complete anguish I saw as it related to the main characters was difficult for me, one who mostly watches films as films instead of life-changing experiences, to watch. This week's (March 30- April 5) Bible reading (a long one) brings up some of the memories of seeing the. I find myself wanting a different memory and a different reaction when I read the text -- instead of the images I saw on the screen.

And I think I may have it. This week's text is a narrative that contains so much more than my mind remembers. In Mark chapters 14-15 I've found:

• Conspiracy 14:1-2
• Anointing 14:3-9
• Premeditated betrayal 14:10-11
• Passover preparation 14:12-16
• Jesus predicting his betrayal 14:16-21
• The Last Supper 14:22-26
• Predicting the disciples failure 14:27-31
• Jesus prays -- disciples sleep 14:32-42
• Judas betrays, Jesus arrested, disciples flee -- 14:43-50
• Streaker 14:51-52 (I put that one here just for fun)
• Jesus before the high priest 14:53-65
• Peter denies Jesus 14:66-72
• Jesus before Pilate 15:1-5
• Barabbas 15:6-15
• Jesus mocked as a king 15:16-20
• Simon the Cyrene carries the cross 15:21
• Jesus crucified 15:22-37
• The curtain in the Temple torn in two 15:38
• The soldier who understood 15:39
• Women who watched 15:40-41
• Joseph of Arimathea and the tomb 15:42-47

I see this theme of people sometimes doing good things, other times bad things, I see good people doing the wrong things, people who we don't see as good doing good things. I see people reaching out with compassion and people turning away with disdain. I see women and men devoted to Jesus living out their convictions and also failing miserably.

And I think I see Jesus loving each of them through all of their successes, failures, giving, taking, devotion and disdain. I see Jesus in anguish -- and a centurion seeing God in him.

I see a story that culminates in death being one about life -- just as I anticipate the celebration of Jesus' resurrection at Easter.

I see a story that is moving, engaging and life-changing. And the images of a movie start to fade.

Winding Down

I feel like things are going a little slower for the last week of sabbatical. But maybe I'm just getting ready for them to go faster so it seems slower.

Yesterday I re-mixed B-I-N-G-O, Marching Around the Room, Old MacDonald and Don't Brush Your Teeth While You're Driving. I think the vocals and insturmentation have a better blend in each one now.

I also entered a new blog article at i.ucc.org. This one covers Mark chapters 14 and 15 and focuses on how the story is about people doing things that are good and things that are bad and how Jesus still gives life. (OK -- there's more to it than that -- you'll have to read it.)

With the blog thoughts in mind, I also did some more work on the latest Gross Theology chapter -- the one about blood. I think I have the basis done, but it seems like I get to the main point too quickly. I'll work more on that one today.

Oh, and I also watched the latest episode of that show Traci abhors last night.