Everybody Wants to Rule the World

One of my favorite songs off of the Weezer Cover Album (which I play on repeat while I’m at the gym) is the song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Originally released in 1986 the song highlights the need that human beings often seem to have for power and control – from the thirst for power that often drives leaders of government, to the desire for financial success that can easily capture the heart of any of us: seemingly everybody wants to rule the world…even if it’s just our own world.

This weekend in Sao Miguel, in the Azores, is the Feast of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. We find here the paradigmatic example of the true ruler of all the world, who is king not by power but by suffering. This wonderful feast celebrates an image of Christ, depicted as he appeared before Pilate at the time of his trial. There are countless miracles associated with this statue, and the intercession of Mother Teresa of the Annunciation, who was its caretaker at the time that miracles associated with the statue began to spread. It has been called “the most priceless piece of art in all of Europe” due in part to the magnificent jewels that adorn the statue’s capes, crowns, and scepters.

For any Portuguese Catholic, this is a special weekend. However it falls on deaf ears if we do not consider the message that lies at the heart of the story of Santo Cristo.

Mother Teresa’s own profound spirituality was one of suffering and mortification, uniting her suffering to that of Christ and his passion. This concept is connected to these devotions still today, as those seeking a favor from the Lord walk in the lengthy procession that will occur on Sunday carrying a large, heavy candle. When that favor is granted, they return to Sao Miguel, to walk in the procession barefoot…many will make the five (plus) hour journey on their knees.

With Bishop Mulvee, Santo Cristo 2003

I have had the great joy of participating in the procession during my Seminary days, an experience that I will never forget. Each year as I watch the procession on videos and in photos I am taken in my heart and mind back to that day. I remember how after the procession had arrived back at the Church, we stood with the Bishops and the statue in the front courtyard of the convent. As we stood there, the marching bands from all over the globe stopped and played the Santo Cristo Hymn. Then came all those with candles, walking barefoot, and making the journey on their knees. It would take another hour or two for them all to pass by, there were so many people.

How foreign these concepts are to us as Americans in 2019. We who avoid every hint of suffering in our lives would likely find the devotion associated with Santo Cristo to be completely insane! An uncharged iPhone, or a slow WiFi connection is suffering for many of us. Then when times of real suffering come (times of loss, death, or sickness), it is nearly unbearable!

Even we who spend our days seeking to follow the call of Jesus in our hearts – how often we fail to embrace suffering or discomfort! I remember many a time in Seminary when not liking a particular instruction or directive, I decided to do something my own way. When I got in trouble for it, I would get even more frustrated. At the end of the day however, how was I uniting myself to Christ? Unity with Jesus can only be accomplished when it includes obedience and suffering.

This weekend (and on any given day) there are countless people in our world who are suffering. I know of two families right in Rhode Island who are grappling with the awful pain of unexpectedly losing a loved one. This weekend I would encourage all of us to make some small offering, and unite that suffering to that of those families, and to Jesus in his Passion. When someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do…when something isn’t working that should…when you are denied something that you are owed or have every right to…maybe make an intentional sacrifice of your own choosing…something. We cannot find unity with Christ without suffering. If we can grow in our acceptance of the nonsensical suffering in life, we will be better equipped when the real crosses come.

None of us will ever rule the world...but to reign with the one who does, suffering is unavoidable.