Choices

 Consider the following scenario as you continue your Lenten journey:

  You have come to the top of a small hill.  As you look at the upcoming path you notice a large group of people have gathered a little bit further down the road.  The crowd's yelling becomes louder and louder as you come closer.  Over and over you can hear the the crowd shouting, "Barabbas!  We want Barabbas!"  You veer to the right to climb onto a large boulder.  As you look over the heads of the crowd you see the two men who have angered the crowd.  You're stunned as your eyes take in Jesus standing next to Pilate.

  You can't help yourself and you begin yelling at the crowd, "What's wrong with all of you?  How could you choose anyone over Jesus?  Clearly Barabbas is a terrible choice!"

   A couple of heads turn to look at you.  You hear someone in the crowd yell, "Hey get off your high horse.  Stop judging us.  You have made this same choice many times in your life!"

  You shake your head and yell back, "I have never made that choice!"

  Suddenly someone grabs your arm and pulls you off the boulder and says, "Don't kid yourself.  You are just like us.  You may not have shouted the name Barabbas, but there have been plenty of times you choose something else over your faith.  Obviously Jesus is the right answer, but don't act like you always choose Him, because you don't."

  Those words pierce right through you. Pain seeps out this fresh wound of realization.  You place your hands over your eyes and fall to the ground as you consider the truth. Your own sobbing seems to block out the cries of the crowd. Minutes pass as you begin to discern those moments in your life when you did choose Barabbas.  As you wipe the tears from your eyes, you notice a pair of sandals in front of you.  As you look up, you see Jesus crouched down next to you.  

  "I'm so sorry, Jesus.  I'm so sorry.  Why would I choose anything or anyone over you?"

  Jesus looks at you with love in His eyes and says, "Well that is a good question, and a good place to start.  Come on let's go some place away from everyone and talk about it.  Forgiveness is not too far from here. Would you like to go down that path with me?"

 

-Susan