Lenten Contemplations - Episode 2

The cross Jesus of Nazareth dies on may be the most pivotal of human moments.  It stands as a symbolic edifice of the costs that imperial evil and power place upon humanity.  And yet, in this space and time, Jesus declares that he and those who seek the Kingdom of God will be together in paradise?  What is he offering - salvation for the repentant?  rallying cries for the zealous? Andrew McGowan posits that Jesus invites us - along with the penitent thief - on the cross not just a nostalgic view of what life was life before our suffering began.  Rather, the invitation speaks to Golgotha's horrifically positioned powers of Grace.  Will imperial Rome and all other forms of human demonic forces destroy life or will suffering, outcast prophets, martyrs, and saints receive God's Grace to inbreak God's reign of justice, peace, and co-existence.  There are no clear answers perhaps to these questions - there are faithful ones.  This week's episode explores all of these themes along with periods of music for silence, reflection, journaling, and more Lenten disciplines.