- Brian Mendonça
On Good Friday we decided to do the Way of the Cross
at home. I tried to metaphorize the journey with the decor of the hall. That
way it became more personalized and our whole dwelling place seemed to take
part in the spiritual journey.
I.
Frame
of the Last Supper. At Maundy Thursday we had commemorated
the Last Supper, when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. We do not know when
and if all of us will be together to sit at the table for the next meal.
II.
Rooms.
As
we beheld the swaying curtains of the rooms in house from the drawing room, we
reflected on how life has many spaces. Some of them bring challenges and pain. We
need to accept our cross and move on.
III.
Wall
Clock. The ticking of the hours reminds us that
our existence is finite. When Jesus falls, he rises. We have so many deadlines
to meet. Even if we do not meet them we need to always rise and do better next
time.
IV.
Beam.
Like
the central beam of the house, family members rely on one another for support. Jesus
saw his mother and both shared each other’s pain. As members of the family we
can be more alert to the need of a spouse or a child.
V.
Light. In moments of darkness there are splashes of
light when someone appears out of nowhere to help us. Like Simon we can offer to help when it is
required.
VI.
Corner.
The Lord has given us the courage to make significant life choices form where
we have a different view of life altogether. New encounters – likeVeronica –
affirm and add value to our journey of life.
VII.
Window.
Like
the view from the window, one can take courage that the view depends on the
point of view. Every time Jesus falls he rises and walks on.
VIII.
Television.
We often take our cue from the media. When Jesus speaks to the women he asks
them not to weep. May we discern the truth in the media and the import it has
for the future.
IX.
Chair.
When
people are weary, they rest. May the home be a sarai to strangers and travellers. The third fall, the last
signifies the end is nigh.
X-XI Blank
wall. Without any fittings the wall looks bare. We come into the world unclothed. The removal of the garments of
Jesus signifies the humiliation one often faces in life.
XII Altar.
It was only by dying that one can aspire to eternal life. For in death,
life has not ended, it is changed. Jesus had to die to Himself rise up on
Easter.
XIII-XIV
Door. As the lifeless shroud of Jesus
is laid in the tomb, I remembered how dad’s lifeless body resembled a shroud.
We are just travellers on the face of the earth going in and out through doors.
Through Easter we can be reunited in the Eternal Kingdom.
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Published in Gomantak Times Weekender, St. Inez, Goa on 8 April 2018.
Note on pix. The table is laid out with a white cloth. A wooden tray given by Mrs. Ahuja from Delhi holds fresh hot cross buns and scores of Easter eggs. A hand-made bowl of nylon rope by young women sits in the centre. A bottle of port wine signals the mood for celebration. At the four corners are lit incensed candles shining animatedly in their glass holders. Pix taken by Dwayne Mendonca on Easter Sunday 1 April 2018 at our home.
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