39th day of Lent

I’ve never spent a night in jail. I do know several people who have, and they tell me it is a frightening experience. I’ve known several who have had to serve "some time," as they say, which means they were in jail or prison for a period of time. My dad used to tell us kids that if we ever "got locked up," he would leave us there for at least one night so we could "appreciate" the experience and learn our lesson. Maybe that is why I never had to spend a night in jail - I knew I was going to be left there for at least a 24-hour period.

Jesus has been incarcerated in the dungeon under the High Priest Caiaphas’ house. I’ve been to the place where they say this took place. I was deeply moved by that experience. The location of Jesus scourging with 39 lashes is in this place. The place where he was held, which is nothing more than a rock hole in the ground, is there. It moved me beyond my ability to express. We sang the hymn, "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul!" at this place.

Today is the day the world turned dark, and the God of love was crucified. Today is the day that he suffered and died so that I wouldn’t have to suffer for eternity. How can I say thanks? What can I do to offer my appreciation? What can I do? What will I do? This is the day Jesus died. I am saddened. I am still. I am deeply moved. I grieve.