Writing

Reflections on Jesus’ Sayings From the Cross  by  Guli Francis-Dehqani

This book by Guli, Bishop of Chelmsford, is an inspiring set of reflections on Christ’s Seven Last Words. Its perspective is quite different from other books on the crucifixion because the context from which Jesus’ final sayings is approached is uniquely personal—namely, Guli’s Persian heritage and her own experiences as a refugee.  The references to Persian culture, the fledgling Iranian church, and the drama of her own losses, lends a fresh insight to the interpretation of Jesus’s last words from the cross.

The most generous of Christ’s seven final sayings is surely: Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.  This sublime act of forgiveness is the crux on which Christian doctrine is based. Ultimately it is God’s forgiveness of us that sets the standard for all acts of forgiveness.  Guli’s reflection on these words in the light of her own brother’s murder is profoundly poignant, a reminder of the key message that we are to be in the world but not of the world. Unless we Christians learn to forgive the many injustices wrought by men against men, we can end up consumed by anger and regret.

Loss of one’s identity, perceived or otherwise, is a theme that runs throughout this work.

Unlike in the West where faith is a personal matter, in the East religious faith is deeply rooted into one’s cultural identity.  Thus, Persian Iranians are assumed to be Shi’a Muslims, while the label “Armenian” is often just another word for “Christian”.  When regimes impose or enforce theocratic morality, any apparent non-compliance with the expected behaviour can lead to ostracism or persecution. This is happening not only in Iran but in other countries too, and coupled with civil unrest and economic privations it has resulted in a surge of migrants world-wide. Different looks, different accents, different ways of thinking…all these things conspire to view refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants as outsiders.  Even people like Guli and myself who have successfully “integrated” do at times feel different. Though as she wisely adds: “The challenge has been to not get stuck in that place…

Guli’s reflections contain much on which we may, and indeed should, ponder. A challenge for churches is how to meet the real needs of people disadvantaged through circumstances not of their own making.  By reflecting openly on her own experience of displacement, loss and renewal, others may be likewise inspired:  My hope is that by talking about my stories, you will start thinking about your stories –go tell your story; the world needs it.

I recommend this book as spiritual reading for all Christians in our multi-cultural society.  It lends itself especially to study during Lent.

Review by Farifteh Robb

(Featured image courtesy of  Local Government Chronicle)