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Senin, 14 Juli 2008

Senin 14 Juli 2008
  • Bacaan I : Yes 1:11-17
  • Bacaan Injil : Mat 10:34-11:1
Renungan

Dari lahir, kematian, hingga kebangkitan-Nya, kata kunci dalam perutusan Yesus adalah damai: damai di bumi, damai sejahtera bagi siapa saja.

Yesus mengingatkan bahwa akan terjadi ketidaksepahaman, bahkan konflik karena perbedaan yang mendasar. Yang benar tak mungkin disandingkan dengan yang tidak benar. Keadilan tidak dapat berjalan seiring dengan ketidakadilan. Mengkompromikan yang bertentangan adalah kemunafikan dan hanya mencari selamat sendiri. Damai yang benar hanya akan diperoleh dengan berpegang kepada kesejatian.

Kita memang akan kehilangan damai semu, tetapi menemukan damai yang sejati. Pembelaan kita bukan dari manusia, melainkan dari Allah sendiri. Tuhan sendirilah tempat perlindungan dan penghiburan kita.

Kita akan berhadapan dengan konflik kepentingan, minat, dan tujuan karena acuan kebenaran yang berbeda. Yesus mengingatkan kita agar tetap konsisten memilih yang benar dan tidak berkompromi dengan yang salah. Sebab itulah jalan satu-satunya untuk memenangkan damai yang sejati dan menolak damai yang semu.

Ya Tuhan, firman-Mu kadang-kadang bagaikan pedang bermata dua dan mendesakku untuk mengambil sikap yang tegas. Mampukanlah aku untuk dengan jujur dan tabah mengakui bahwa Engkaulah kebenaran sejati. Amin.

Ziarah Batin 2008, Renungan dan Catatan Harian

Minggu, 13 Juli 2008 Hari Minggu Biasa XV/A

HARI MINGGU BIASA XV/A

Minggu, 13 Juli 2008
  • Bacaan I : Yes 55:10-11
  • Bacaan II : Rm 8:18-23
  • Bacaan Injil : Mat 13:1-9
Renungan


Tanah subur mesti mendatangkan hasil seturut kadar kesuburannya. Namun, Yesus tidak mengutamakan tanah subur dan menyepelekan lahan yang kurang subur. Setiap lahan mestilah mendatangkan hasil sesuai dengan kondisi tanah itu sendiri.
Kondisi riil tidak selalu istimewa, namun bila kita mau bekerja sama, hasil yang dicapai akan lebih banyak. Tidak semua orang sama pandai dan berbakat, namun manakala diupayakan yang terbaik, kerja sama dan jejaring yang baik dan benar, hasil akan melimpah dan kenikmatan akan lebih besar. Maka, tak terpujilah sikap melemparkan kegagalan kepada orang lain.

Yesus mengingatkan bahwa yang paling penting adalah sikap dan kerelaan kita melakukan sesuatu dalam kerja sama dengan berbagai pihak yang berkehendak baik dan tidak menolak sentuhan yang membuahkan. Kesanggupan adalah bagaikan tanah subur menerima benih yang ditaburkan, membiarkannya bertumbuh sampai akhirnya berbuah berlipat ganda.

Tidak semua orang memiliki keterampilan atau pengalaman yang sama. Namun, siapa pun dapat menjalin kerja sama demi hasil yang maksimal.


Ya Yesus, ajarilah aku mencari kehendak Bapa di surga dan semakin berbuah dengan terbuka dan bekerja sama dengan banyak orang yang berkehendak baik. Amin.

Ziarah Batin 2008, Renungan dan Catatan Harian

Sabtu, 12 Juli 2008

Sabtu 12 Juli 2008
  • Bacaan I : Yes 6:1-8
  • Bacaan Injil : Mat 10:24-33
Renungan
Tujuan, sebaik dan seluhur apa pun, tidak pernah bebas hambatan. No pain, no gain. Perjalanan tidak selalu mulus, dukungan pun tidak terus-terusan diperoleh. Dalam hidup ini, tentu ada yang setuju, ada yang tidak setuju. Ada yang optimis dan ada yang mencibir. Ada yang memberi dorongan, tetapi yang menggembosi juga tidak kurang. Bahkan, bukan mustahil bahwa ada orang yang menantikan kegagalan kita.

Semakin tinggi cita-cita, semakin banyak hambatan dan rintangan; dan syarat-syarat pun makin berbelit. Makin tinggi gunung yang didaki, makin indah pemandangan dan makin besar kepuasan, tetapi angin pun akan lebih kencang dibandingkan dengan di tempat datar saja.

Bukan sesuatu yang langka bahwa pengikut Kristus menghadapi berbagai tantangan, tetapi Dia menjanjikan bahwa bila kita setia, kita akan memperoleh kemenangan. Dia selalu mendampingi kita agar kita tidak jatuh dan terkecoh. Kalau burung pipit saja dijaga Tuhan, apalagi kita. "Sebab itu, janganlah takut, karena kamu lebih berharga dari pada banyak burung pipit".

Ya Yesus, Engkau senantiasa tegar dalam menghadapi segala kesulitan, bahkan sampai di Golgota. Ajarilah aku untuk tetap tegar dan berjuang seperti Engkau, tidak mundur sebelum bersatu dengan-Mu. Amin

Ziarah Batin 2008, Renungan dan Catatan Harian

Jumat 11 Juli 2008

Jumat 11 Juli 2008
  • Bacaan I : Hos 14:2-10
  • Bacaan Injil : Mat 10:16-23
Renungan

Di mata uang Amerika Serikat tertulis moto, "Kepada Tuhan Allah kita percaya." Rupanya, justru pada saat kita memiliki uang, kita semakin perlu percaya dan pasrah kepada Tuhan. Dia sajalah yang dapat kita andalkan karena Dia selalu setia dan menerima kita dalam kekurangan dan kelebihan kita. Bagi-Nya kita tetap anak kesayangan-Nya, entah kita sukses atau gagal, saat mengalami kesulitan atau kemudahan.

Caleg belum tentu berpegang pada janji kampanyenya. Kepala Daerah pasti didemo bila lupa akan visi-misi yang pernah dipaparkannya. Keluarga retak karena ketidakmampuan memegang teguh janji nikah. Banyak kaum religius dan imam meninggalkan panggilannya. Semua itu terjadi karena kita tidak setia pada pilihan kita.

Hanya Allah yang setia dan satu-satunya Sang Setia. Moto uang Amerika Serikat yang meng­gelitik itu sebenarnya mengingatkan bahwa Allahlah satu-satunya kekuatan, perisai, dan perlindungan kita. Air mata tetap bercucuran, peluh bersimbah, dan mungkin darah juga akan terkucur, tetapi kalau kita setia kepada Allah, hidup kita sungguh bermakna. Memang Yesus sangat benar pada saat Dia berkata, "Berbahagialah yang bertekun sampai akhir."

Ya Tuhan, hanya Engkau yang setia memegang janji dan memeliharaku dalam segala kesulitan. Ajarilah aku untuk setia kepada-Mu sebagaimana Engkau selalu setia kepadaku. Amin.

Ziarah Batin 2008, Renungan dan Catatan Harian

Kamis, 10 Juli 2008

Kamis, 10 Juli 2008
  • Bacaan I : Hos 11:1b.3-4.8c-9
  • Bacaan Injil : Mat 10:7-15
Renungan

Para ahli psikologi semakin yakin bahwa kedewasaan atau kematangan itu pertama-tama adalah kemampuan menata hidup secara seimbang, penuh integritas, dan bermartabat. Namun, sekaligus disadari bahwa manusia membutuhkan keterkaitan dan ketergantungan satu sama lain. Manusia semakin saling membutuhkan karena tak ada seorang pun yang bisa memenuhi segala kebutuhan dan kebahagiaannya sendirian. Pihak lain selalu akan ikut terlibat dan memainkan peranan dalam tiap interaksi. Dengan demikian, perjumpaan kita dengan sesama membawa berkat.

Tuhan Allah tidak pernah menginginkan kita menjadi manusia yang tidak dewasa. Firman dan sapaan-Nya dalam seluruh alam semesta mendorong kita agar semakin matang. Kita juga membutuhkan undangan, tantangan, dan ajakan sesama untuk semakin dewasa.

Sebelum kita mencapai kematangan penuh, kita akan terus mencari dalam kegelisahan. Santo Agustinus dalam Confessiones-nya mengungkapkan itu dengan sangat indah, "Tuhan Allah kami, resah hati kami sebelum beristirahat di dalam Engkau."


Ya Tuhan, kuatkanlah aku untuk tetap berkembang. Janganlah biarkan aku merasa diri mapan dan berpikir telah melaksanakan tugas dan kewajibanku. Ajarilah aku mengerti bahwa setiap hari baru adalah anugerah-Mu kepadaku untuk bertumbuh dan semakin matang. Amin.

Ziarah Batin 2008, Renungan dan Catatan Harian

Easter Anthology (5 dari 5-habis)

sebelumnya http://renunganpagi.blogspot.com/2004/05/easter-anthology-4-dari-5.html

The Passion of the Christ According to St Matthew


Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow- to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me." Going a little farther, He fell on His face, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. "What?" He asked Peter. "Couldn't you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let's go! See- My betrayer is near."
While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a large mob, with swords and clubs, who were sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: "The one I kiss, He's the one; arrest Him!" So he went right up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And kissed Him. "Friend," Jesus asked him, "why have you come?" Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest's slave and cut off his ear. Then Jesus told him, "Put your sword back in place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn't arrest Me. But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away.
Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened. Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance right to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the temple police to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward stated, "This man said, 'I can demolish God's sanctuary and rebuild it in three days.'" The high priest then stood up and said to Him, "Don't You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?" But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, "By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!"
"You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you've heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered, "He deserves death!" Then they spit in His face and beat Him; and others slapped Him and said, "Prophesy to us, You Messiah! Who hit You?"
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant approached him and she said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean too." But he denied it in front of everyone: "I don't know what you're talking about!" When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!" And again he denied it with an oath, "I don't know the man!" After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You certainly are one of them, since even your accent gives you away." Then he started to curse and to swear with an oath, "I do not know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
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The Passion of the Christ According to St Matthew

When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and to the elders. "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," he said. "What's that to us?" they said. "See to it yourself!" So he threw the silver into the sanctuary and departed. Then he went and hanged himself. The chief priests took the silver and said, "It's not lawful to put it into the temple treasury, since it is blood money." So they conferred together and bought the potter's field with it as a burial place for foreigners. Therefore that field has been called Blood Field to this day. Then what was spoken through the Prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of Him whose price was set by the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.
Now Jesus stood before the governor. "Are You the King of the Jews?" the governor asked Him. Jesus answered, "You have said it." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn't answer. Then Pilate said to Him, "Don't You hear how much they are testifying against You?" But He didn't answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. At the festival the governor's custom was to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you- Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ?" For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy. While he was sitting on the judge's bench, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I've suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!" The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" "Barabbas!" they answered. Pilate asked them, "What should I do then with Jesus, who is called the Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify Him!" Then he said, "Why? What has He done wrong?" But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him!" all the more. When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "I am innocent of this man's blood. See to it yourselves!" All the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into headquarters and gathered the whole company around Him. They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe. They twisted a crown out of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spit at Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head. When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross.
When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Place), they gave Him wine mixed with gall to drink. But when He tasted it, He would not drink it. After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots. Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing. Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, "The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He has put His trust in God, let God rescue Him now- if He wants Him! For He said, 'I am God's Son.'" In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him. From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling for Elijah!" Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, and offered Him a drink. But the rest said, "Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him!"
Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest were raised. And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, "This man really was God's Son!" Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. (Matthew 26:36-27:61)
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The Resurrection

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay! Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee, you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you!" So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, "Rejoice!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there." (St Matthew 28:1-10)
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"Apostola Apostolorum Part 1"

Semua yang terjadi Jumat petang itu masih terpatri kuat dalam ingatanku. Pontius Pilate memerintahkan agar jenazah-Nya diturunkan dari salib atas permintaan para imam kepala karena besok adalah hari raya. Membiarkan mayat-mayat tak terawat pada hari raya adalah suatu kekejian di mata Allah. Tentu mereka tidak menghendaki kekudusan hari raya esok tercemari oleh jenazah-jenazah yang tergantung di atas salib di luar tembok Jerusalem.
Kami semua yang mengasihi-Nya berdiri di sana untuk menerima jenazah-Nya dari tangan para prajurit.
Kulihat Joseph dari Arimathea dan Nicodemus juga hadir di antara kami. Mereka berdua anggota Sanhedrin, namun mereka mempercayai-Nya. Hanya saja ketakutan akan kehilangan kehormatan telah membuat mereka bersikap bagai pengecut selama ini. Kini setelah semuanya berakhir tak ada lagi yang perlu mereka takuti. Para imam tidak akan pernah tahu bahwa mereka berdua pernah mempercayai Jesus, penyesat dari Nazareth itu, yang menyatakan Diri-Nya sebagai Kristus dan Anak Allah yang berhak mengampuni dosa. Mereka datang untuk ikut merawat jenazah-Nya. Merawat jenazah, meskipun itu jenazah seorang musuh, adalah suatu tindakan kemurahan hati, para imam tidak akan melarang mereka melakukan hal tersebut. Joseph memberikan gua makam baru yang sesungguhnya diperuntukkan bagi dirinya sendiri untuk menyemayamkan jenazah-Nya dan Nicodemus membawa rempah-rempah untuk mengurapi dan merawat jenazah-Nya. Mungkin mereka berpikir sekaranglah saatnya menunjukkan cinta dan bakti mereka pada-Nya, sesuatu yang tidak dapat mereka lakukan selagi Dia hidup.
Air mataku berderai dan isak yang tertahan pecah saat menyentuh jenazah-Nya yang diletakkan di pangkuan bunda-Nya. Guruku, Penyelamatku, Kekasih jiwaku kini terbaring tak bernyawa. Siksaan dan deraan yang ditimpakan pada-Nya telah merusak tubuh-Nya, seperti bukan manusia lagi rupanya. Aku berlutut dan menciumi kaki-Nya, sekali lagi kubasahi kaki itu dengan air mataku, sama seperti yang kulakukan dulu di rumah Simon orang Pharisee. Namun kali ini tidak kudengar kata-kata-Nya yang menghibur dan menguatkan, tidak kudengar tuturnya yang memulihkanku dari hina cela yang ditujukkan orang-orang padaku. Yang ada hanyalah sesosok tubuh yang perlahan-lahan menjadi dingin di hadapanku.
John, Murid yang Dikasihi-Nya, menyentuh bahuku untuk menenangkan diriku. Kulihat duka juga terpancar di matanya, tetapi dia memilih bersikap tenang. Tiba-tiba aku merasa malu. Dalam kesedihan aku seolah lupa bahwa ibu-Nya juga sedang berduka. Adalah tugas kami untuk saling menghibur dan menguatkan, namun aku justru tenggelam dalam dukaku sendiri yang mungkin justru menambah nestapa yang kami alami bersama ini.
Aku mengarahkan pandanganku pada ibu-Nya. Tak kulihat air mata mengalir di pipinya, namun pedang dukacita bersarang di hatinya. Dipeluknya tubuh Putranya erat-erat. Tiap luka di tubuh-Nya seolah-olah meneriakkan penderitaan dan kesengsaraan-Nya, penderitaan dan kesengsaraan yang juga meninggalkan luka-luka dalam hati ibu-Nya. Sesekali dia menengadah ke langit sambil menggumamkan sesuatu. Sesekali pandangan matanya menerawang jauh seolah berkata dalam kebisuan kepada setiap orang, “Acuh tak acuhkah kamu sekalian yang berlalu? Lihat dan pandanglah! Adakah kesedihan seperti yang ditimpakan Tuhan kepadaku?”
Tetapi waktu tak mengizinkan kami berlama-lama larut dalam kesedihan. Sabbath menjelang. Sebentar lagi kerlip bintang-bintang pertama akan terlihat di langit senja pertanda Sabbath telah tiba. Kami harus segera menghentikan semua pekerjaan kami dan berada di rumah untuk beribadah. Joseph dan Nicodemus datang dan meminta izin ibu-Nya untuk merawat dan mempersiapkan jenazah-Nya untuk dimakamkan sebab tak banyak lagi waktu yang tersedia. Diciumnya pipi yang dingin itu untuk terakhir kalinya sebelum mereka mengambil jenazah-Nya dari pelukannya.
Aku berdiri dan mengikuti mereka ke taman tempat makam yang disiapkan bagi-Nya berada. John menggandeng ibu-Nya. Aku menyusul dan bergabung bersama mereka. Para wanita lain berjalan di belakang kami.
Nicodemus mengurapi jenazah-Nya dengan rempah-rempah yang dibawanya sebelum kain linen yang dibawa Joseph dibebatkan erat pada tubuh-Nya. Tak ada lagi waktu bagi kami untuk memandikan dan mendandani jenazah-Nya. Doa-doa kami panjatkan dengan singkat.
Setelah siap tubuh-Nya dibawa untuk dibaringkan di dalam gua. Betapa ngerinya aku membayangkan malam ini tubuh-Nya berada dalam kegelapan makam yang sunyi dan dingin. Tak terasa air mataku menetes lagi membayangkan hal ini.
Beberapa orang prajurit datang bersama beberapa orang imam. Mereka menyuruh kami segera keluar dari dalam gua. Setelah memastikan bahwa jenazah-Nya memang terbaring dalam gua itu, sebuah batu yang sangat besar mereka gulingkan di depan mulut gua untuk mencegah orang keluar masuk lagi. Setelah itu para imam memasang segel pada batu itu sebagai pernyataan bahwa memang Jesus dari Nazarethlah yang dimakamkan di tempat itu agar tak seorangpun bisa mencuri jenazah-Nya dan berkata bahwa Jesus telah kembali pada kehidupan tanpa merusak segel. Prajurit-prajurit itu kemudian tinggal untuk berjaga di sana.
Bersama John dan ibu-Nya, aku meninggalkan taman itu meskipun dalam hati kami seolah ikut dimakamkan bersama Dia dalam gua yang gelap itu.
Para wanita di belakang kami berkata satu sama lain bahwa segera setelah Sabbath berlalu mereka akan kembali untuk memakamkan jenazah-Nya dengan lebih layak.
Untuk apa? pikirku, pemakaman yang paling agung dan terhormat sekalipun tidak akan mengembalikan-Nya kepada kami. Dia telah diambil dari tengah-tengah kami. Meskipun kenangan akan Diri-Nya tetap akan hidup dalam diri kami, Dia sendiri tidak. Tetapi biarlah mereka berbuat demikian jika mereka mau, jika itu bisa menghibur dan meringankan derita dalam hati mereka.
Bintang-bintang mulai bermunculan di langit senja yang semakin memerah di belakang kami sementara di kejauhan bayang-bayang salib di atas bukit memanjang saat kami memasuki gerbang kota Jerusalem...To be continued
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"Apostola Apostolorum Part 2"

Sepanjang malam dan sepanjang siang keesokan harinya kami beristirahat untuk beribadah sebagaimana hukum Taurat memerintahkan.
Satu demi satu sahabat-sahabat-Nya yang sejak malam penangkapan-Nya menyembunyikan diri kembali ke rumah Maria dari Jerusalem. Di ruang atas rumah itu kami berkumpul. Di ruang yang sama, pada malam sebelum Dia ditangkap, Jesus mengadakan perjamuan Pesach bersama kedua belas sahabat-Nya yang terpilih.
Aku memang tidak hadir di sana saat itu, namun setiap pelosok dan sudut ruang itu membawa kembali kenangan akan Jesus kepada kami. Seolah masih kulihat sosok-Nya yang penuh kehangatan duduk bersama-sama kami, seolah masih kudengar suara-Nya yang tenang, tawa-Nya yang riang, dan kata-kata-Nya yang sering mengejutkan namun juga menentramkan.
Betapa aku merindukan Dia ada bersama kami. Kalau saja Dia ada bersama kami tentu Dia sedang makan bersama-sama kami. Dia paling menyenangi saat-saat kami berkumpul dan makan bersama. Bahkan Dia pernah mengumpamakan kerajaan surga bagai suatu jamuan makan. Martha, saudariku, pasti akan sibuk melayani-Nya, dan aku, seperti biasa, akan duduk mendengarkan-Nya di dekat kaki-Nya.
Semua sahabat-Nya berkumpul di ruang itu. Simon yang dipanggil-Nya Peter si Batu Karang duduk menyendiri di sudut ruangan seolah enggan bergabung bersama yang lain. Matanya merah dan bengkak bekas tangisan berkepanjangan. Kudengar dia telah menyangkal mengenal Gurunya di hadapan hamba-hamba para imam. Tentu dia sedang menangisi dan menyesali kepengecutannya. John, Murid Terkasih, tidak pernah berada jauh-jauh dari ibu-Nya. Mereka berdua saling berpegangan tangan. Thomas dan sahabat-sahabat-Nya yang lain bercakap-cakap dengan suara perlahan seolah takut suara mereka terdengar sampai ke luar. Para wanita sibuk merencanakan apa yang akan mereka lakukan besok pagi-pagi sekali untuk merawat jenazah-Nya lagi.
“Aku akan pulang ke Emmaus besok,” terdengar suara Cleopas memecah kebisuan yang menekan.
Perkataannya membuat kami tersentak. Kami telah tenggelam dalam kesunyian hati masing-masing sehingga tidak menyadari bahwa meskipun Dia telah pergi, kami yang tinggal masih harus meneruskan hidup. Namun hidup macam apa?
Cleopas memutuskan untuk kembali ke Emmaus kampung halamannya.
Simon Peter bersuara tanpa bangkit dari duduknya dari sudutnya, “Aku akan kembali ke Capernaum. Perahu dan jalaku sudah lama tidak kugunakan.”
“Kami ikut denganmu,” ujar Andrew yang diikuti Thomas dan James.
Kemudian kudengar Nathaniel menyatakan akan kembali ke Cana.
Semua akan kembali menjalani kehidupan mereka yang dulu sebelum bertemu Jesus. Ya, mereka semua memiliki kehidupan sebelum bertemu Jesus. Tetapi bagaimana denganku? Hidup macam apa yang kumiliki sebelum bertemu dengan-Nya? Maria dari Bethany yang lebih dikenal sebagai Maria Magdalene, Maria dari Magdala. Wanita yang menjadi buah bibir setiap orang. Direndahkan kaum pria, dicerca kaum wanita. Tak seorangpun sudi menjadi temanku sehingga akhirnya setan dan jinlah yang mengawaniku, dan bukan hanya satu, tujuh setan dan jin yang semula menjadi kawanku kemudian memiliki dan menguasai diriku sedemikian rupa sehingga aku bahkan tidak tahu lagi apa artinya hidup dan mengapa aku hidup.
Itulah kehidupanku yang lama, jika itu bisa disebut sebagai suatu kehidupan.
Sampai suatu hari kulihat Dia duduk di keteduhan bayang-bayang pohon cypress di dekat kebun anggur. Dia memanggil namaku. Dia memanggil namaku seolah-olah aku ini sahabat-Nya. Tiba-tiba aku merasa aku sedang telanjang di hadapan-Nya. Tak ada yang dapat kulakukan untuk menutupi ketelanjanganku. Namun Dia tidak memalingkan wajah-Nya, pun tidak menegurku atas ketelanjanganku. Dia hanya tersenyum melihat aku salah tingkah di hadapan-Nya. Dia memanggil namaku lagi. Dan akupun menangis.
Sampai lama Dia membiarkan aku menangis kemudian Dia beranjak bangkit dari duduk-Nya dan menghampiriku. Dihapus-Nya air mataku dengan kedua tangan-Nya yang kekar. Dan Dia berkata kepadaku dengan sorot mata lembut, sorot mata yang mengingatkanku pada anak domba yang merumput di padang di musim semi, “Kekasih-kekasihmu mencintai kecantikanmu Maria, tetapi Aku mencintai jiwamu.” Dan Dia menjadi Kekasih jiwaku sejak saat itu dan aku tahu aku ini hidup.
Tetapi hidup ini hendak dirampas lagi dariku. Aku seperti dihempaskan kembali kepada kehidupanku yang lama, kehidupan dalam kematian.
Kucoba menepis bayang-bayang menakutkan akan kehidupanku yang dulu. Namun bayang-bayang itu datang dan datang lagi padaku. Sepanjang malam aku tersiksa oleh bayang-bayang ini. Ketujuh setan dan jin yang telah meninggalkan diriku seperti menghampiriku lagi. Aku menangis dengan tangisan tak bersuara sehingga tak ada yang tahu bahwa aku belum memejamkan mataku sampai jauh malam.
Kegelapan kehidupanku yang lama terus mendera jiwaku sampai akhirnya di penghujung malam itu aku mendengar suatu suara, suatu nyanyian. Suara nyanyian Kekasih jiwaku yang mengalun di telingaku.

“Bangunlah kekasih-Ku, bangunlah dara jelita, marilah! Lihatlah musim dingin sudah lewat, musim hujan telah berlalu. Bunga-bunga bermekaran di ladang. Kicauan merpati terdengar di tanah kita. Pohon ara mulai berbuah, sulur anggur semerbak oleh bunga-bunganya. Bangunlah kekasih-Ku, bangunlah dara jelita, marilah!”*

Kasihku, jerit hatiku mendengar suara-Nya. Dalam kegelapan aku mencoba menemukan sosok-Nya. Namun tak kutemukan Dia, hanya suara nyanyiannya terus mengalun di telingaku.

“Bangunlah kekasih-Ku, bangunlah dara jelita, marilah!”

Aku berjalan mengikuti suara nyanyian itu.
Para wanita sudah terjaga. Mereka tengah menyiapkan rempah-rempah untuk dibawa ke makam. Mereka menatapku heran melihat diriku berjalan bagaikan tak sadar.
Maria,” tegur Joanna, “hendak ke mana kau? Hari masih gelap.”
Maria,” kudengar suara saudariku Martha, “tidakkah kau mendengar kami?”
Tanpa menghiraukan mereka aku terus mengikuti suara nyanyian Kekasihku. Aku mengikuti suara nyanyian itu sampai ke luar rumah.
“Dia tidak mendengarkan kita. Apakah dia…?” Joanna tidak melanjutkan kata-katanya.
Martha yang selalu lugas berkata, “Kesedihan dalam hatinya membuat keadaan jiwanya buruk, mungkin roh-roh jahat yang pernah menguasainya kembali padanya.”
“Kita harus mengikutinya,” kata Salome.
“Tetapi hari masih gelap,” Susanna menimpali.
“Gelap atau terang kita tidak dapat membiarkannya berkeliaran di kota seorang diri seperti itu,” ujar Martha. “Rempah-rempah sudah siap, kita bawa saja sekalian.”
Mereka bergegas menyusulku... To be continued

*)Kidung Agung 2:10-14



"Apostola Apostolorum Part 3"

Aku masih terus berjalan mengikuti suara nyanyian itu, namun tak juga kujumpai Kekasihku.
Aku menyusuri jalan-jalan Jerusalem dalam gelap sambil mencari-cari Kekasih jiwaku. Kubalas nyanyiannya dengan ratapan.

“Di atas ranjangku di malam hari, kucari Jantung Hatiku. Kucari, tapi tak kutemukan Dia. Aku hendak bangun dan berkeliling kota, di jalan-jalan dan lapangan kucari Jantung Hatiku, tapi tak kutemukan Dia.”*

Tanpa kusadari langkahku membawaku menuju taman tempat Dia dibaringkan.
Fajar telah menyingsing ketika aku tiba di sana. Puncak-puncak perbukitan Judea yang mengelilingi Jerusalem mulai terlihat. Kicau burung mulai terdengar menyambut pagi.
Para wanita yang berjalan di belakangku bertanya satu sama lain.
“Siapakah yang akan menggulingkan batu bagi kita agar kita dapat masuk ke dalam gua? Mustahil agaknya meminta prajurit-prajurit Roma untuk menolong kita.”
Tiba-tiba langkahku terhenti!
Meskipun dari jauh aku dapat melihat bahwa mulut gua itu terbuka dan batu besar yang menutupinya sudah terguling agak jauh dari tempatnya semula. Tak satu prajuritpun terlihat menjaga.
Aku segera berlari menuju ke gua.
Dia tidak ada di sana! Tubuh-Nya tidak terbaring di sana!
Dalam kekalutan pikiranku, hanya satu kemungkinan yang memenuhi benakku. Musuh-musuh-Nya begitu membenci-Nya sehingga tidak membiarkan Dia beristirahat dengan tenang, maka mereka mengambil jenazah-Nya dan menyembunyikan-Nya dari orang-orang yang mengasihi-Nya.
Betapa jahatnya! Betapa kejamnya! Tidakkah kebencian mereka turut sirna bersama kematian-Nya? Mengapa mereka melakukan hal ini?
Aku menangis. Suara tangisku menggema di pagi hari itu. Guruku, Penyelamatku, Kekasih jiwaku, bahkan dalam kematian Dia tidak dapat beristirahat dalam damai.
Aku berlari meninggalkan taman. Sahabat-sahabat-Nya harus mengetahui hal ini. Aku harus memberitahu mereka.
Para wanita terheran-heran melihatku tiba-tiba menangis dan meninggalkan taman.
Maria!”
Masih kudengar Joanna berseru memanggilku. Namun tak kuhiraukan seruannya. Aku terus berlari kembali ke kota.
Aku berlari dan terus berlari sampai akhirnya aku tiba di rumah. Suara tangisanku mengejutkan penghuni lainnya.
Simon...Simon....”
Simon Peter bangkit menghampiriku.
“Ada apa Maria? Katakan apa yang terjadi!”
“Mereka...mereka telah mengambil-Nya,” ujarku terbata-bata dalam isak tangisku.
“Siapa telah mengambil siapa? Hentikan tangismu dan tuturkan dengan jelas apa yang baru saja menimpamu!” Simon Peter bertanya dengan nada tidak sabar.
“Mereka telah mengambil tubuh Guru, dan aku tak tahu di mana mereka menyembunyikan-Nya.”
Semua terkejut mendengar penuturanku.
“Maksudmu, tubuh-Nya tidak ada dalam makam-Nya?” Simon Peter bertanya lagi.
“Makam-Nya terbuka ketika aku tiba di sana dan tubuh-Nya tidak terbaring di dalamnya.”
Simon,” kata John tiba-tiba, “ingatkah kau apa yang dikatakan-Nya ketika Dia masih hidup? Dia berkata, ‘Anak Manusia akan diserahkan ke tangan bangsa-bangsa yang tak mengenal Tuhan Allah. Mereka akan menyesah dan menyalibkan Dia. Namun pada hari ketiga Dia akan bangkit.’ Ya itulah yang dikatakan-Nya! Mungkinkah...”
Simon Peter segera berlari keluar rumah sebelum John menyelesaikan kata-katanya.
Simon, tunggu aku!” John berlari menyusul Simon Peter.
Karena tak tahu lagi apa yang harus kuperbuat, akupun berlari keluar kembali untuk mengikuti Peter dan John. Mereka berlari jauh meninggalkan diriku di belakang.
Ketika aku sampai kembali di taman, kulihat mereka berdua keluar dari dalam gua. Mereka menggeleng-gelengkan kepala sambil terus bergumam, “Mustahil…mustahil.”
Simon, apa yang harus kita lakukan? Tidakkah kau akan berbuat sesuatu?” tanyaku. Simon hanya memandangku dan membisu, kemudian berjalan meninggalkanku.
John...” kataku pula. Namun John juga tidak berkata apa-apa.
Mereka keluar dari taman meninggalkanku seorang diri dan aku mulai meratap lagi. Kulihat pecahan buli-buli dan rempah-rempah berserakan di tanah. Barulah kusadari bahwa aku tidak melihat para wanita yang seharusnya berada di sana. Mungkin mereka telah pulang lewat jalan lain. Mungkin pula mereka menjatuhkan buli-buli mereka ke tanah dalam keterkejutan dan ketakutan mereka setelah melihat makam yang kosong.
Aku melihat ke dalam gua lagi untuk memastikan bahwa tubuh-Nya memang tidak terbaring di sana.
Betapa terkejutnya aku melihat ada dua orang duduk di tempat tubuh-Nya pernah dibaringkan! Aku tidak tahu apakah mereka pria atau wanita, busana yang mereka kenakan putih benderang.
Mereka bertanya kepadaku, “Wanita, mengapa kau menangis?”
Sebelum aku sempat menjawab, aku mendengar suara lain di belakangku menegur, “Wanita, mengapa kau menangis? Siapakah yang kaucari?”
Aku menoleh ke belakang, ke arah suara itu. Air mata dan kesedihan mengaburkan pandanganku. Aku menyangka aku sedang berhadapan dengan juru taman.
“Mereka telah mengambil tubuh Guruku,” kataku sambil menangis pilu, kemudian lanjutku, “Tuan, jikalau Tuan tahu, katakan kepadaku di mana mereka menyembunyikan tubuh-Nya supaya aku dapat mengambil-Nya!”
Maria,” juru taman itu menyapaku lembut.
Dia memanggil namaku dengan suara yang sangat kukenal, dengan suara yang sangat kucintai dan kurindukan. Tiba-tiba mataku terbuka. Juru taman itu adalah Kekasih jiwaku!
Kulihat sosok-Nya yang indah, kulihat rambut coklat-Nya yang ikal, kulihat senyum-Nya yang manis, kulihat sorot matanya yang lembut. Betapa aku merindukan Diri-Nya, betapa aku rindu memeluk-Nya.
Rabboni*!” jeritku dan tersungkur memeluk kaki-Nya. Kulihat lubang bekas paku pada kaki itu, namun lubang itu justru tampak indah di mataku seolah-olah ada aliran cinta keluar dari dalamnya. Untuk ketiga kalinya kaki itu kubasahi dengan air mataku. Jika di rumah Simon orang Pharisee kaki itu basah oleh air mata penyesalanku, dan air mata dukaku bercucuran di kaki-Nya di Calvary, kali ini air mata bahagiaku yang mengalir dan menetes di kaki-Nya.
Aku memeluk kaki-Nya dan tidak hendak melepaskan-Nya lagi. Namun Dia berkata kepadaku, “Janganlah kau terus berpegangan pada-Ku, sebab Aku belum kembali kepada Bapa-Ku! Pergilah dan ceritakan kepada sahabat-sahabat-Ku apa yang kau lihat dan kaualami, katakan kepada mereka bahwa Aku kembali kepada Allah-Ku dan Allah-mu, Bapa-Ku dan Bapa-Mu!” Dan Dia menghilang.
Dia menghilang, namun aku tidak lagi bersedih sebab aku tahu Dia hidup. Dia sungguh hidup dan karenanya akupun hidup. Dia hidup lebih dekat dengan jiwaku kini daripada sebelumnya.
Taman itu masih sesunyi semula karena hari masih pagi benar, tetapi taman itu menjadi semarak oleh nyanyian hatiku. Rerumputan yang basah oleh embun, bunga-bunga yang bermekaran, dan kicau burung-burung yang berloncatan di dahan seolah mengiringi kebahagiaanku.
Jauh di masa lampau, ketika dunia baru saja tercipta, sepasang pria dan wanita berbahagia di Taman Eden. Hari ini, dalam taman ini, aku merasa kebahagiaanku jauh melebihi kebahagiaan mereka. Aku bagaikan pengantin dan Dia mempelai yang menyongsongku untuk menghapus air mata kerinduanku dan memberikan kebahagiaan padaku.
Tubuhku terasa ringan, aku ingin menari dan bersenandung. Aku ingin melagukan kebahagiaanku.

“Kekasihku milikku, dan aku milik-Nya, yang menggembalakan domba di padang bunga lily.”***

Aku harus pergi, aku harus membagikan kebahagiaan ini kepada sahabat-sahabat-Nya. Ya Kekasih jiwaku telah mengutusku! Aku akan pergi kepada mereka. The end



diposting hansel @ WG

Easter Anthology (4 dari 5)

sebelumnya http://renunganpagi.blogspot.com/2004/04/easter-anthology-3-dari-5.html

The Last Supper


Now the feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Him to death; for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the Twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and engaged to give him money. So he agreed, and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the passover for us, that we may eat it." They said to Him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house which he enters, and tell the householder, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I am to eat the passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready." And they went, and found it as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the Apostles with Him. And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes." And He took bread, and when He had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood...." (Luke 22:1-20)
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Jesus Washed His Disciples Feet

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And during supper, when the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, and girded Himself with a towel. Then He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part in Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you."
For He knew who was to betray Him; that was why He said, "You are not all clean." 12 When he had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and resumed His place, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them...." (John 13:1-17)
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On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches' (Popule Meus), in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, & contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord.
The Church- stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare, & with the door of the empty Tabernacle standing open- is as if in mourning. The liturgical observance of this day of Christ's suffering, Crucifixion and death evidently has been in existence from the earliest days of the Church. No Mass is celebrated on this day, but the service of Good Friday is called the Mass of the Presanctified because Communion (in the species of bread), which had already been consecrated on Maundy Thursday, is given to the people .
Traditionally, the organ is silent from Maundy Thursday until the Hallelujah at the Easter Vigil, as are all bells or other instruments, the only music during this period being unaccompanied chant.
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The Passion of the Christ According to St John

Having spoken these words, Jesus went forth with His disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall Him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them. When He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He; so, if you seek Me, let these men go." This was to fulfil the word which He had spoken, "Of those whom thou gavest Me I lost not one." Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given Me?" So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound Him.
First they led him to Annas; for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept the door, and brought Peter in. The maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are not you also one of this Man's disciples?" He said, "I am not." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me, what I said to them; they know what I said." When He had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how You answer the high priest?" Jesus answered Him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike Me?" Annas then sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, "Are not you also one of his disciples?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed.
Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the praetorium, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?" They answered him, "If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have handed him over." Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death." This was to fulfil the word which Jesus had spoken to show by what death He was to die. Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about Me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed You over to me; what have You done?" Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if My kingship were of this world, My servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but My kingship is not from the world." Pilate said to Him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again, and told them, "I find no crime in Him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover; will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber. (John 18:1-40)
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The Passion of the Christ According to St John

Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and arrayed Him in a purple robe; they came up to Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck Him with their hands. Pilate went out again, and said to them, "See, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in Him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no crime in Him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He has made Himself the Son of God." When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to Him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release You, and power to crucify You?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over Me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." Upon this Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this Man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" They cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."
Then he handed Him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place
called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. The chief priests of the Jews then said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This Man said, I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took His garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also His tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfil the scripture, "They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." So the soldiers did this. Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, "It is finished"; and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with Him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced hiH side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness- his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth- that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of Him shall be broken." And again another scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they have pierced."
After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to Him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:1-42)
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The familiar hot cross buns are sweet rolls with the sign of the cross cut into it, and they are 1 of several traditional European breads marked with a cross for Good Friday. According to tradition, these buns originated at St Alban's Abbey in 1361, where the monks gave them to the poor people who came there (you may have your own recipe for sweet-rolls to which you can add currants or raisins before shaping & cut a cross in the top before baking; or you can buy them.) These Good Friday buns were very popular, and were sold by vendors who cried:

"Hot cross buns, hot cross buns! 1 a-penny 2 a-penny, hot cross buns!
If you have no daughters, give 'em to your sons!
1 a-penny 2 a-penny, hot cross buns!
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Were You There?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Negro spiritual
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From the early days of the Church, the Easter Vigil was the primary means by which Easter was observed. This practice has evolved in modern observance into the Easter sunrise service that many Churches observe, but its history is much richer.
From the earliest days of the church, the Easter Vigil was primarily a means of preparing new converts for baptism into the Christian faith, which was normally done on Easter Sunday as the focal point of the entire year.
The Vigil itself can begin at any time after sundown on Saturday.
In Church traditions, the Easter Vigil begins in darkness as a flame is lit. This can either be the Christ candle returned to the sanctuary or to the worshippers, or a 'new fire' lit amid the darkness. From this 'new fire' all the other candles in the sanctuary are lit. Some Churches use a special Paschal candle as the focal point for this part of the service. All the worshippers light individual candles from the Paschal candle as they sing a song of praise. This return of light symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and the light of salvation & hope God brought into the world through the resurrection, the triumph of the light of God’s grace & salvation over the darkness of death & sin.
In the early Church, the Easter Vigil concluded with the baptism of new converts, celebrating not only Christ’s resurrection from death to life, but also the new life that God has brought through the death & resurrection of Christ to individual believers. Those baptized changed into new white clothes to symbolize their new life in Christ, which is the origin of the tradition of buying new clothes at Easter.
An ancient tradition from the early centuries of the Church intensifies the fasting of Lent, so that no food of any kind is eaten on Saturday, or for 40 hours before sunrise on Easter Sunday. The breaking of the fast is the Eucharist or Communion that is celebrated at Easter sunrise at the end of the Easter Vigil.
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The Resurrection

And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled back from the sepulchre. And going in, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were astonished in their mind at this, behold, two men stood by them, in shining apparel. And as they were afraid and bowed down their countenance towards the ground, they said unto them, "Why seek you the living with the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how He spoke unto you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise again'!" And they remembered His words. And going back from the sepulchre, they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. And it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women that were with them, who told these things to the Apostles. And these words seemed to them as idle tales: and they did not believe them. But Peter rising up, ran to the sepulchre and, stooping down, he saw the linen cloths laid by themselves: and went away wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. (Luke 24:1-12)
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"An Easter Hymn"

Awake, thou wintry earth-
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
Christ is risen.

By Thomas Blackburn (????).
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"Jesus Risen"

Ye Heavens, how sang they in your courts,
How sang the angelic choir that day,
When from His tomb the imprisoned God,
Like the strong sunrise, broke away?

By Rev. Frederick William Faber (1814-1863).
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"Come, Ye Saints, Look Here and Wonder"

Come, ye saints, look here & wonder,
See the place where Jesus lay;
He has burst His bands asunder;
He has borne our sins away;
Joyful tidings,
Yes, the Lord has risen to-day.

By Thomas Kelly (1769-1855).
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During the Easter season the Angelus prayer is replaced by Regina Caeli.
Since the 13th century this prayer has been used as a seasonal antiphon of joy in honor of Mother Mary who rejoiced over her Son's rising from the dead in glory.
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Regina Caeli

Regina caeli, laetare, hallelujah:
quia quem meruisti portare, hallelujah.
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, hallelujah.
Ora pro nobis Deum, hallelujah.

Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, hallelujah.
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, hallelujah.


Queen of Heaven, rejoice, hallelujah.
The Son you merited to bear, hallelujah,
has risen as he said, hallelujah.
Pray to God for us, hallelujah.

Rejoice and be glad, o Virgin Mary, hallelujah.
For the Lord has truly risen, hallelujah.
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"Pengorbanan Seorang Anak"

Ashborne adalah sebuah dusun yang sederhana dan agak sepi di Irlandia. Di sana-sini tampaklah beberapa pondok dengan atap ilalang. Bahkan gedung gerejapun tidak ada di desa itu. Gereja terdekat kira-kira tiga kilometer jauhnya dari dusun itu, yaitu gereja di Clifford. Itu berartihampir satu jam perjalanan dgn berjalan kali.
Di sebuah pondok yang agak terpencil di dusun itu, tinggallah satu keluarga sederhana yang terdiri dari tiga orang, yaitu Tom Laingan, Mary, dan Willy, putra tunggal mereka.
Willy adalah seorang anak yang cerdas dan lembut hati serta suka menolong, tetapi sungguh malang badannya lemah dan sakit-sakitan. Memang sejak kecil kesehatannya rapuh. Hanya berkat perawatan telaten dan penuh kasing sayang dari kedua orangtuanya saja yang menjadikan Willy tumbuh menjadi seorang anak yang lemah lembut. Dia akan genap berusia sepuluh tahun bulan depan.
Meskipun lemah tubuhnya, Willy selalu penuh semangat. Senja itu dia sedang menghadapi buku pelajarannya seperti biasanya, namun rupanya ada yanag sedang dicemaskannya. Tiba-tiba dia menghampiri ibunya yang sedang menjahit.
"Ibu bolehkah aku ikut ke gereja bersama teman-teman besok?" tanyanya.
Dengan penuh kasih sayang, Mary memebelai pipi putra tunggalnya sambil berkata, "Bukankah kau baru ke gereja bulan lalu? Kau baru saja sembuh dari sakit. Hawa yang dingin dan perjalanan jauh akan berakibat kurang baik bagi tubuhmu yang masih lemah. Lagipula bukankah Dokter melarangmu keluar rumah?"
"Tetapi besok adalah hari Natal dan Pastor John berkata bahwa hari Natal adalah hari yang suci memperingati kelahiran Tuhan Jesus. Boleh ya, Bu? Aku tak akan sakit, dan aku merasa cukup kuat. Boleh ya, Bu?"
"Tapi...."
"Sudahlah Bu, jangan melarangnya lagi!" sela ayah Willy. "Dia cukup besar untuk mengikuti misa Natal di gereja."
"Baiklah kalau memang Ayah mengizinkan. Tetapi sekarang ini kau harus banyak beristirahat agar besok tak terlalu capek dalam perjalanan."
Alangkah gembiranya hati Willy. Sambil bernyanyi-nyanyi kecil dia mencuci kaki, kemudian setelah mencium kedua orang tuanya, dia masuk ke kamarnya untuk tidur.
Membayangkan kepergianna ke gereja besok membutanya sukar tidur malam itu. Besok pagi di gereja dia akan berdoa meminta Jesus dalam palungan agar ibunya mau ke gereja lagi. Memang sudah lama Mary tidak lagi memperdulikan imannya. Willy cilik yang mengetahui hal itu menjadi bersedih hati. Tak putus-putusnya dia berdoa agar ibunya mau kembali kepada Tuhan. Tetapi rupanya Tuhan belum menjawab doanya. Meskipun begitu tak pernah dia berhenti berdoa bagi ibunya. Dia teringat kata-kata Pastor John bahwa doa tulus seorang anak dapat menembus langit dan sampai ke surga.
Pukul lima pagi keesokan harinya Willy sudah sibuk mempersiapkan diri. Sejam kemudian dia sudah berada dalam gereja.
Dengan penuh hormat dia berlutut di depan palungan dan berdoa bagi ibunya terkasih. Wajah patung Kanak-kanak Jesus yang dikelilingi kedua orang tuanya dan para gembala tampak penuh kasih. Willy memejamkan matanya dan mengucapkan doanya
Ketika dibukanya lagi matanya, dia merasakan hawa dingin yang menusuk tulang dan menyadari hanya dia seorang yang masih berada dalam gereja yang kini kosong. Pengunjung telah kembali ke rumah mereka masing-masing karena misa telah selesai.
Dengan berat hati ditinggalkannya gereja itu, namun penuh keyakinan bahwa doanya akan segera dijawab Tuhan.
Dia berjalan kali karena tidak ada lagi kereta yang membawanya pulang. Hawa dingin membuatnya menggigil. Dirapatkannya mantelnya. Badannya terasa berat dan kurang enak. Dengan terhuyung-huyung dia tetap melangkahkan sepasang kakinya. Betapa inginnya dia segera kembali ke rumah, di depan perapian yang hangat. Dan begitu sampai di depan rumah dia jatuh pingsan....
Beberapa bulan telah berlalu. Natal telah lama lewat. Willy terbaring di tempat tidurnya. Wajahnya pucat dan badanya kurus. Penderitaan terbayang di wajahnya, meskipun begitu sinar matanya tetap jernih.
"Bu, maukah Ibu membelikan aku anggur untuk kupersembahkan bagi Kanak-kanak Jesus dalam palungan-Nya?" ujar Willy tiba-tiba.
"Baiklah, Nak. Tetapi Natal telah lama berlalu, palungan Natal sudah disimpan sampai Natal berikutnya. Natal yang akan datang pasti Ibu membelikanmu anggur untuk Kanak-kanak Jesus."
"Tetapi Jesus memintanya sekarang, Bu! Biarlah aku sendiri yang mempersembahkannya padanya. Dan bila Ibu tak keberatan, tolonglah rawa altar kecilku jika aku pergi...."
Mary mengerti bahwa Willy akan segera meninggalkannya. Pastor John diundang datang.
"Berlalulah dengan damai Anakku. Persembahkanlah sendiri anggurmu pada Kanak-kanak Jesus di surga di mana kau akan melihat sendiri Dia yang sebenarnya dan berbahagia karenanya," demikian kata Pastor John sambil memberikan sakramen dan berkatnya yang terakhir.
Meskipun dengan berat hati ditatapnya wajah ayah dan ibunya yang telah sangat mengasihinya bergantian dengan wajah tenang. Lalu dengan suara lemah dia berkata, "Nyalakan lilin untukku di gereja ya, Bu! Persembahkan bunga yang biasa kupersembahkan pada Jesus setiap Minggu dan berdoalah di sana!"
"Ya, Ibu berjanji Anakku," Mary menahan air matanya saat melepaskan kepergian putra tunggalnya.
"Dan aku pun berjanji akan berdoa bagi Ibu," kata Willy sambil menutup matanya dan tersenyum. Suatu senyum kebahagiaan karena percaya doanya kini sudah terjawab....
Tibalah hari Paskah. Terlihatlah di Minggu Paskah itu Tuan Laingan dan istrinya keluar dari gereja di Clifford. Tak lama kemudian kedua suami-istri itu terlihat sedang berlutut di sebuah makam kecil di halaman gereja. Itulah kuburan Willy cilik. Tempat peristirahatannya sementara.
Doa Willy sudah terjawab. Jesus kini sudah bersemayam lagi dalam hati ibunya. Doa seorang anak yang tulus terkabul meskipun meminta pengorbanan dirinya sendiri.
Dan Willy akan terus berdoa bagi kedua orang tunya. Berdoa dan terus berdoa sampai suatu saat nanti mereka berkumpul kembali di surga.
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berikutnya http://renunganpagi.blogspot.com/2005/05/easter-anthology-5-dari-5-habis.html

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