Psalm 22: The Crucifixion Psalm

(A Psalm for Good Friday)


Jesus, Jesus, on the cross
call us to come closer.
We hear your cry
that splits the sky
we’re passing by
but cannot hide
What’s that you say?
We’re on our way
you dare us to come closer.
 
My God, my God –
why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away?
Here I groan, I writhe in pain
I cry my guts out hour after hour
Why don’t you answer?
 
Jesus, Jesus, on the cross
call us to come closer
but will we dare?
for everywhere
soldiers, weapons, poised to tear
flesh from flesh, bone from bone
a pack of dogs, while you alone
cry -
‘why?’
 
I am poured out like water
flushed away like sewerage
tossed in the trash
dislocated, discontinued,
shriveled, split, wasted.
Jesus, Jesus, on the cross
your pain unhinges the universe
all meaning hurled into the void
all time twists and gasps with your shuddering breath
as your dying eyes fill with light
 
My God, my God, I praise you!
I worship through the pain
I will tell of your name to all people
I proclaim your salvation to all generations
Those who seek shall find
To the ends of the earth hearts will turn to you
I will live for you.
It is fulfilled!
 

 Psalm 22: Don’t leave me!
 
My God, my God, how could you leave me?
Just when I needed you most, you are gone!
I am eaten up by pain,
my life is pouring down the drain
Around and around rage the forces of hate.
Is this the end? Is this my fate?
The answer bursts open the grave -
Christ, who died, is alive!
Tell the world, for all time -
death is defeated, Christ is alive!