We gathered in the chapel after Morning Prayer, preparing to rehearse the reading of the Passion of our Lord according to the Gospel of Matthew. All of us were present, except for the priest who would read the part of Jesus. A sister, who was watching, coaching and cuing those of us who took the parts of the readers and narrator, indicated where the priest would be reading by a simple “Jesus.”
It was profound – more than just place markers for an absent player. It was a litany, an intimate calling on our Savior, a prayer.
“Where do you wish us to prepare the Passover supper for you?”
“Jesus.”
“Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
“Jesus.”
“During the meal Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples.”
“Jesus.”
“I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
“Jesus.”
“Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Jesus.”
“Then toward mid-afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud tone.”
“Jesus.”
Our lives are a faith journey – a search for what is real, what is greater than the struggles and passing pleasures that come our way. Questioning, denying, finding something or someone to blame, acceptance of responsibility, pleas for mercy, and gratitude for forgiveness – God accepts all these very human, very real prayers. When all is said and done, and there is nothing more to be said or done, there is the simplest, most powerful, most intimate prayer of all – a prayer that penetrates straight into the divine heart, stirs up compassion and mercy for us, and produces reconciliation and unity:
“Jesus.”
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Sister Ann Marie Wainright
Sister Ann Marie Wainright is a Benedictine Sister of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she worked as a CPA for many years before earning dual masters degrees in counseling and pastoral studies. Sister Ann Marie is interested how people encounter God in their daily lives and how they use their faith and spirituality in meeting difficult challenges.