Potsherds

“I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.” Psalm 31:12

The psalm for Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion locates Jesus’ death within the broken forsakenness of humanity. Entering fully into the lament of our lives, Jesus will utter his cry of dereliction. Broken, he will die.

This psalm gives voice to our helplessness and worthlessness. The translation we’ll use in worship this Sunday invokes the emotions of feeling as “useless as a broken pot.” Who among us has not felt this way? Who among us has not felt lost and forgotten? Who has not felt of no more use or value than a piece of broken pottery?

The story of Holy Week is the story of God locating Godself precisely in our brokenness. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a call for us to put ourselves back together. It is God being broken open for us.

We are all broken in different ways, but we are all broken. But because God is broken open on the cross, we find ourselves being put back together as something new.

So, if you’re feeling great today, this probably isn’t the word you’re looking for. That’s okay. If, however, you’re feeling lost or useless, hear this: God is with you where you are, and God is not done with you yet.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, we when we feel lost and forgotten, remember us. When we feel useless, remind us of how much you value us. Broken alone, join us together as a beautiful new creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Potsherds from Poshuouinge in New Mexico, Larry Lamsa, 2010 (used with permission).