I am threatened by a chart of quantitative data.
Each morning I log on the computer to post a blog entry, as I am now. And each time I am greeted by a large graph, informing me of how many have read my blog this month, week, day and even moment. Although I never know who reads it, I do know how many. This is having an effect on me.
Jesus would have been rejected by Joseph if not for an angel's intervention.
Jesus in Mary's womb was rejected by the innkeepers in Bethlehem.
Most every leader of His people, Pharisees and Sadducees, did as well.
Many of His followers also, saying, "Your teaching is too hard! We will not walk with You anymore!"
Philip constantly rejected Jesus with silly questions.
Peter momentarily did.
And Judas used a kiss to do so.
His hometown too, saying Jesus was "just the son of a carpenter!"
All the disciples in Gethsemane slept.
The people whom He taught and even healed called out for His death.
And the supreme rejection, "Why have You forsaken Me?"
Catherine Doherty reflects on this:
It is said that Jesus was like us in everything but sin, and He experienced all that we in our humanity have to know and experience of pain and of sorrow. It stands to reason that He would experience the feelings of rejection also so as to help us in our neurotic, psychotic century.
If I am to enter the passion of Jesus, I am to enter a meditation on the word rejection. Not to have a greater definition so much as to know the One rejected. And to know His likeness and nearness to me. And to be reminded of God's words to me through Isaiah:
Can the mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.
