Page 147 - laten-08-06-2020
P. 147
defeat settles it. They continued as an unshaken minority, a
minority that became God’s instrument for the future. Among
this group so helplessly watching, were many who a little later
became part of a movement that reverse the verdict that iron
nails were the final power in the universe. Salome with other
women could do nothing but passioned for Christ and were
moved all along with Jesus only by the love that she received
from god. Today Christian believers do have passion on several
realms, but passion on spiritual desires leads to eternal life is
getting forgettable.
Witnessing Christ
There were women in the distance. They were bewildered,
heartbroken, drenched in sorrow but they were there. They
loved Jesus so much that they could not leave him. Salome is
one among the women who went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his
body with spices and the Sabbath was past and brought sweet
spices. When they went to the tomb, they discovered that the
stone had been rolled away and a young man in white then told
them that Jesus had risen, and told them to tell Jesus’ disciples
that he would meet them in Galilee.
Salome was ambitious for her son, and ambition is
commendable when it is in full agreement with the mind and
purpose of God. Ambition when divinely directed, can lead to
the heights of honor but when selfishly pursued can cast one
down to the depths of degradation. Salome knew she was an
honored mother because her two sons James and John were two
of Christ’s best beloved disciples and along with peter formed
an inner circle among twelve. Feeling that kingdom would soon
be established, she requested that her sons be placed on Christ’s
right and left when he inaugurated kingdom. She knew not what
she asked (Mat.20.20-24, Mark.10.35-40) when seeking seats of
honor for her sons. Jesus did not treat Salome’s ambition as if it
were sinful but he was compassionate because of the ignorance
behind the request. Salome’s dreams of the kingship of Christ
141
Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People