On Saturday, in the Fifth Week of Lent, the Breviary reading for Office of Readings is from a sermon by Saint Gregory Nazianzen. We are invited to take part in the Passover in a personal way:
If you are a Simon of Cyrene, take up your cross and follow Christ.
If you are crucified beside him like one of the thieves, now, like the good thief, acknowledge your God. For your sake, and because of your sin, Christ himself was regarded as a sinner; for his sake, therefore, you must cease to sin. Worship him who was hung on the cross because of you, even if you are hanging there yourself. Derive some benefit from the very shame; purchase salvation with your death. Enter paradise with Jesus, and discover how far you have fallen. Contemplate the glories there, and leave the other scoffing thief to die outside in his blasphemy.
If you are a Joseph of Arimathea, go to the one who ordered his crucifixion, and ask for Christ’s body. Make your own the expiation for the sins of the whole world.
If you are a Nicodemus, like the man who worshipped God by night, bring spices and prepare Christ’s body for burial.
If you are one of the Marys, or Salome, or Joanna, weep in the early morning. Be the first to see the stone rolled back, and even the angels perhaps, and Jesus himself.
I have always found this reflection powerful and a helpful way to begin Holy Week. But this year it struck me that the picture is incomplete. The presence of women is barely acknowledged. So I’ve made some additions to St Gregory’s text:
If you are Mary of Bethany, kneel in reverence at your Lord’s feet. Pour out the perfume of your life in the silent action of love.
If you are a server at the meal in the Upper Room, make the finest of banquets and give thanks for the Lord of all Creation.
If you are the servant girl tending the fire in the courtyard of the High Priest’s house, don’t be afraid to recognise those who follow Christ and boldly speak your truth.
If you are one of the Women of Jerusalem, follow Christ closely and weep for the Christ you see in all who suffer.
If you are Mary, the mother of Jesus, watch as the child your bore walks the path that only he can walk. Listen as he calls on his God and your God. Surrender your spirit as he surrenders his.
If you are Mary, the wife of Clopas, remain faithful to the last. Stand at the foot of the cross for all women who must witness suffering.
If you are Mary of Magdala, sit at the foot of the cross, bear the weight of sorrow for every heart that has loved and broken in two.
Who would you add?
Image: Arcabas