Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. John 18:3
Passion of Christ, Albert Altdorfer
Towards an end and a beginning
After the public euphoria of Palm Sunday the infatuated crowds have thinned out. Attention turns upon a secluded garden outside the Jerusalem's walls. For Jesus (and especially for the disciples?), the darkness, secrecy and menace of a night time arrest ushers in the shock and dread associated with deep crisis. The disciples are scattered, though not lost.
Any form of disorientation in life and of faith can signal an end to development and a return to former times and old ways: to a 'no doubts', 'Christ is my hero so everything will be fine' position. Jesus goes out and meets the braying crowd, turning towards an end and a new beginning - to the disciples it must have felt like the end of the world was coming. The journey of faith covers the terrain of a succession of endings and beginnings which we, in trust, are invited to go out and meet, as per our exemplar Jesus.
As I see Jesus 'go out and meet' what ending or beginning do I see before me?
Is there a prayer or action that emerges?