If you are at all familiar with current culture you know that as far as our cultural values go, more is better! We have seen the quantities of “super-size” multiply at fast food outlets and “buy get one free” drives traffic for retailers. Our concept of value has us shopping at outlets where bath tissue is sold in quantities of 50 and boxes of cereal come 6 at a time. Most is better. It would almost make you believe that there is something wrong if you only want one of something.
If you have been watching the most recent creation by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (AD the Bible Continues) you have gotten a good sense of what society in Jerusalem was like at the time of Jesus’ death. Some may argue about the Biblical accuracy of their interpretation but there is no doubt that they have gone to great pains and personal expense to create a work that accurately depicts society, political times and atmosphere. It is beautifully photographed and really gives you the feel and look of being in first century Jerusalem.
No doubt Mr. and Mrs. Burnette have had life impacting experiences as a result of their efforts on this project. Filming went on for months, they actually constructed a mock Jerusalem and accuracy of culture was of primary concern. In a recent interview Mr. Burnette mused on this thought: “They were only twelve of them. How is it that the Roman Government couldn’t just kill them?” That’s a good question.
We don’t have many records about what happened post Crucifixion, but we do know a lot about Roman practices, governance and politics. Jerusalem was a particular problem for the Romans because the Temple was located there. The Romans in general and Pilate in particular were “nervous” about doing anything that would spark an uncontrollable uprising of the Jews. The eyes of the world were on Jerusalem while people from all the known world traveled there to worship at the Temple. An uprising in this minor city would have been a world-wide embarrassment and weakening of image and influence for the Roman Government. The Romans thought nothing of employing the cruelest and most visible atrocities in order to cement their power and influence. They even lined the Appian Way, a main thoroughfare, with randomly crucified victims for miles. Bodies would purposely be left to rot on the wood instead of allowing them humane burial. That’s a statement!
That begs Burnette’s question. The Romans were everywhere in Jerusalem. They did as they pleased, killed who they wished and invaded any private home they wanted. How is it possible that The Twelve who returned to Jerusalem by order of Jesus, preached openly, gathered converts, literally walked out from the Roman jail, were not simply done in? Certainly the Romans had no scruples for murder. That didn’t matter if it was done for the good of the government and the behest of the emperor or governor. The Disciples were never armed. They practiced no violence of any kind.
The truth is that there is no logical answer to the question. The only answer is a divine one. Look at the contrast, though. Today, in the world there are 1.2 billion Catholics, scores of Churches, scores of Priests. All of this began with just a dozen. Even if you are the staunchest of atheists these numbers have got to get your attention. In the economy of God numbers can be deceiving. Our modern culture affirms that the only important status comes from more or most. In God’s economy it depends. He can multiply less or diminish most, as needed. It is more important to keep your eye on His purpose. Today the Roman government is non-existent and the movement that they tried to eliminate is more prolific than any other religion in the world. Makes you think doesn’t it? Just give me a dozen, please!
Copyright© 2015, Kathryn M. Cunningham
Kathryn M. Cunningham
Kathryn holds a Master’s in Education from Saint Xavier University. Most recently she completed Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from The Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. This recent degree was part of a “retirement project” after teaching for 35 years. She has also worked as a spiritual director, music minister,council member and prayer team warrior. Kathryn has a deep interest in catechesis for the people in the pews. As a “sort of” convert she finds the wisdom of the Church a source for encouragement, joy and survival in a world not sure of anything. Her writing has appeared in diocesan publications and on-line sites, most recently for Zenit. To learn more about Kathryn check out her thinking at: www.atravelersview.org">ATravelersView.org.
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