On March Motivations

 ‘Motivation’ refers to a Latin word meaning ‘a moving cause’. It implies a willingness to act; the cause directs the movement. It differs from ‘purpose’ which sets the aim. Purpose is the reason something is done: theme, goal, design. War is an archetype, according to Jung’s psychology, and our reactions to war follow a pattern, deep in the human mind, still evoked by Homer and Euripides. Is the cause the war, or the war the cause?

“What is truth?” Pilate inquires. In antiquity, as today, power claims truth. There was the father’s power, the gods’ power, the Emperor’s power. When Jesus appears, transfigured, with Moses and Elijah, his power is attested by the company he keeps. He speaks to Pilate as witness to the truth: this is an act of power. (We have a clash of truths). At Emmaus, Jesus directs his survivors “that repentaunce and remission of synnes shulde be preached in his name amonge all nacions. And the begynnynge must be at Jerusalem”.(Luke 24:47. Tyndale).

Now, in the Middle East, we have a clash of powers. War shows its motivating and purposed powers. War is an archetype. But so is peace. “And the beginning must be at Jerusalem.”

 

On Tenebrae: Darkness

Tenebrae means darkness. Light by light is extinguished in this service, the first of Holy Saturday, as Jeremiah predicts ruined cities, violated women, starving children. How long will ye blaspheme mine honour? cries the Lord.

            Many years ago, I heard the prophecy of a student cadet: In the wars of the future, there will be no such thing as a civilian. The war will be everywhere.The German army, shooting thousands of civilians, women and children on the Eastern Front in WW II, appealed to the government: You are destroying our young men.

            The Nazis then trained specialists to see to these killings, persons specially corrupted for that work, as is happening today.

            What did the Lord say to those at the foot of the cross? They know not what they do. But their officer was not completely corrupted. He saw, and said: Truly this was an innocent man.

On Peace: Ash Wednesday

‘My peace I give to you,’ said Jesus. A friend asked, ‘What does it mean? I pray all the time for world peace, but it has no effect. Can it mean peace of mind? I feel so responsible.’ Well, partly.

            Ancient writers viewed peace as cessation of war, with two faces: victory, defeat; triumph, submission. Conquest. Does the greeting ‘peace be with you’ honour the host, or the guest?

            In John’s Gospel, the world is a place of conflict and opposition. The peace of Jesus confronts world strife. Viewing streams of world-contending persons ascending Parliament Station, ready with earplugs, earmuffs, backpacks full of every possible necessity, and most unsuitable shoes, I saw how few accepted the cross of ashes and blessing of the day. Men particularly, with set eyes, seemed to think contesting the world their singular responsibility. Sometimes women with sidelong glances looked for a way out. Men and women at war with the world: all travelling together, though often alone, to the same destination.

            And the glow of those who allowed themselves to be blessed.

            The peace of Jesus is based on a victory: cessation of a war that ended in triumph. Therefore let not your hearts be troubled, although you are dust, and to dust you will return.