Good Friday
2015
Jesus Christ
and the Sun Dancer:
When
suffering is a choice…
Our Creation
Spirituality based Spiritual Center, 89 Hartford UCC in Medina, Ohio created
a most powerful Good Friday event including Native American teaching and
practice.
It was so
moving to consider suffering from two points of view: that of oppression and
that of gift.
In Christian
teaching Jesus, the Christ, gave his life on a cross/tree for all of God’s
children so that sins would be forgiven.
The Lakota (Sioux) and nearly all Plains Indians come together for
their most important ceremony, the Sun Dance, during the summer months. A large
Cotton Wood Tree is selected, cut down, trimmed and brought to the center of
the ritual space. The Holy Men
approach those who request to Sun Dance and pierce each side of their chests with
a knife and then a Buffalo bone is inserted under the flesh. Next, the rawhide
thongs are attached to the bone and tied to the tree in the center. Dancers
pull themselves backwards, trying to tear their flesh and release themselves
offering this gift of
suffering for themselves and the good of the people.
Crucifixion/suffering
continues today in the oppression of people and our Mother Earth. The GIFT of
suffering also continues through selfless acts of love and compassion extended
to all life as we know it.
Carol P. Vaccariello, D. Min.
*Resources
The Lakota People – 5:30 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3HpvJn9FSc
Native American Sundance 1:45 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvqQmTSDXtY
You Tube Sundance Documentary -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK4fCv5ekzI
No comments:
Post a Comment