The historical truth about authoritarian governments is that subjugation of the masses and cruelty as a cudgel for obedience is the entire point. The guy at the top is almost always an unusually self-hating narcissist who craves the feeling of being superior to all around him. In the Christian Church this past week, we walked in the steps of one who did not cave in to the narcissistic power structures of the early first century. Rome had it's own problems with subjugated populations from a string of ill Emperors. At the same time Judaism had it's own unique way of organizing a "power-over religious institution." Such is the ways of Empire structuring - intimidate all the institutions of a society into worshipping the head and garner their cooperation.
But beginning on Maundy Thursday this past week we were pulled into the acts of remembering to whom and with whom we ultimately and specially belong. "Maundy" is derived from an Old French word that meant "command or mandate". Many churches, on this Thursday before Easter, observe foot washing as a liturgical act of remembering Jesus' act of washing the disciples feet and commanding them to "love one another." It is in loving others (and all of God's created order) that we all flourish.
Good Friday is often observed in visiting the "Stations of the Cross" - the final stopping off places in Jesus' forced travels through the Roman & Jewish gauntlet of legalities to nail him to a cross of state-sponsored shaming. It was an act to discredit Jesus and threaten would-be followers to tow the line for Rome and "religious authority."
Holy Saturday is the pause. The waiting of the world for the final word to drop. Will death have the final say?
Then the Easter proclamation, first by Mary Magdalene, "the tomb is empty." Then the appearances of the Risen Jesus start being reported throughout the region. Death cannot hold this sacred Love that designed creation and set love, acceptance, forgiveness, grace, hope, and peace to nurture and sustain the well-being of all God's creatures.
That realm, God's realm on earth -- not an authoritarian regime, lets love and kindness loose. Lets free will and personal sovereignty be the rule of life. Lifts us through blessing and admonitions to thoughtful consideration of purpose with the daily question posed: "Is this the world you want for yourselves, your children, and your children's children?" If the answer to that question is "Yes!", then remember! Remember the acts of resistance in grace and purpose that Jesus acted out and taught. Remember the long string of disciples through the ages who have perpetually harkened back to "The Way of Jesus." Remember and follow him in your daily interactions, your votes, and your voices.