Ironies in the Kingdom

Ironically, as we enter the final week of Lent, our bible study reflections have been focused on the betrayal and crucifixtion of Jesus. All of it expressing an undertone of irony in multiple contexts.

1. Jesus is brought before Pilate, the ruler of the world's kingdom, to have His fate decided so to speak. Pilate says to Jesus, "so you are a king?" Jesus replies, "my kingdom is not of this world." So here we are and the 'king of the world' is deciding the fate of the king of life...in a way.

2. Pilate back peddles in confusion over what to do with Jesus, knowing that He has not committed any crimes and should not be punished by Roman law. Those who have brought Jesus to Pilate are Jews who, by their law, are not permitted to kill anyone. So the Jews hand Jesus over to Pilate to let him do the dirty work. In return, Pilate hands Jesus' fate back to the Jews. Both are responsible for His death.

3. The Apostles come to Jesus' defense when He is captured in the Garden of Gethsemane; Peter cutting off a soldier's ear. However, when asked later if they know Jesus, they deny Him. Again, Peter ironically denies Jesus 3 times after coming to His aide previously. Even more ironic, Jesus called that this would happen while Peter was like a deer in the headlights.

Admittedly, I have not been the best example of a Christian or Catholic this Lenten season (or ever for that matter). We missed the past 3 weeks of Church, and while I have many excuses for why we did not attend, none of them are excusable. And you all know how my giving up sweets for Lent went...yep it didn't quite go. Ironically though, I have never been more aware of Lent, Easter, the sacrifice that Jesus made for me us, and the importance of it all.