Thieves on a Cross
When shit hits the fan and people’s acts catch up with them, they are usually quick to put ashes on their heads and wail in self-deprecating manner, trembling in horror of possible consequences. They are like dogs on their backs, ears pulled back, revealing the belly in gesture of complete submission to their dominant peer. Posing as vulnerable and powerless, they hope to evoke compassion and mercy. And when the danger and fear subside, they are back to their old ways.
But ignorance does not excuse. Neither in social setting nor in general. If the ignorant is about to turn into a bloody mess at the bottom of a ravine they’ve jumped into, their beliefs in non-material reality or illusory nature of gravitation won’t help them. There really is just wishing them enough luck to meet with consequences as benign as possible, “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Two days ago, I’ve met a Biblical Christian marveling at how the faith in Jesus saved one of the thieves co-crucified with him. Yet, he didn’t see how it was the thief’s repentance that made it possible. Not an empty gesture or a ritual, but an honest admission of the reality of his situation. He accepted his trespasses, he surrendered to the fact that he was a thief and his punishment was to be expected, which in turn opened his eyes to the reality of Jesus’ innocence and the truth at large.
Well, we are all like this famous trinity on Golgotha. In the face of impending death, in agony of excruciating pain, perhaps bewildered at times, we either carry our crosses with innocent dignity because we already know, we may admit the truths that hurt our egos and we are set free at last, or we kick in denial in all directions refusing to take responsibility to the bitter end.
The vast majority of humans sadly falls into the last camp. Understandably, because, although it does not excuse them in any way, that’s the way they were taught. Truly, may they be forgiven because they have absolutely no idea what the fuck is going on, and the suffering they must endure because of that is nothing to be envious of.
