Great Vigil of Easter

Read Mark 15:42–47

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My Lord, I was complicit in your death. I knew you were the Messiah, but I allowed fear to keep me from openly following you. I listened as my brothers on the Sanhedrin plotted your downfall. I permitted them to purchase your life for 30 silver pieces. I stood by as they butchered jurisprudence and wheedled a death sentence out of Pilate.

My stomach churned as I saw you flogged. My heart was rent as I watched you stumble half-dead through the streets of Jerusalem. My spirit was crushed as you cried, “It is finished!”

No longer will fear control me. The die is cast; it’s time to declare my loyalties. If I wasn’t there for you while you lived, the least I can do is provide for you in your death. I’ll go to Pilate myself and ask for your body — I don’t care what it costs me.

Jesus, empower me to follow you boldly, regardless of the cost.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL