He set his face to go to Jerusalem. – Luke 9:51
This verse from the gospel of Luke is, to me, one of the most poignant in all of scripture. It occurs just after Jesus the Christ reveals his divine nature to his three close companions—Peter, James, and John—the same three who will fall asleep when he asks them to wait with him and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. In a mountaintop vision, Jesus shines as brightly as the sun and the voice of God proclaims that this is God’s son and commands those in hearing to “Listen to him.” Impetuous Peter immediately wants to build a temple to contain the God-Jesus and to worship him there. Yet Jesus steps outside his divinity, he lets go the mantle of God, he walks away from safety and adoration, he embraces his humanity, and “sets his face to go to Jerusalem” where death by crucifixion awaits him.
As a mantra from the Twelve Step Program states, “The only way out is through.” If we want to quit any addiction, we have to go through the difficult process of turning away from what possesses us. If we want to lose weight, we have to commit to the disciplines of exercise and eating correctly. If we want to beat cancer, we have to endure the side effects of chemo and radiation. If we have lost someone we deeply love, we have to bear the darkness of grief. And on and on in so many manners and directions. The only way we will ever get to the other side of whatever challenge/pain/fear/struggle/indecision is to do what Jesus did: keep walking. Put aside procrastination. Put aside denial. Put aside pride. Put aside fear, and walk.
Easy words for me to write, but not easy actions for me to take. This Tuesday of Holy Week, I admit I stumble more than walk, avert my face instead of “set it.” Yet I remember how Jesus had to walk alone, but has promised me that I won’t. And his action gives me hope because resurrection lays on the other side of the journey.
Blessings ~ Rosemary
Spirit Reflections 