As the 2nd Trump impeachment trial continues, I found interesting connections with this section of Kazantzakis’ “Last Temptation of Christ.” [Chapter 28]
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Jacob had already become reconciled to the Rabbi’s [Jesus’] death and was spinning in his mind what they would do when they were left on earth without him.
“We cannot oppose God’s will and the will of our master. As the prophets tell us, Rabbi, it is your duty to die, ours to live: to live so that the words you spoke shall not perish. We’ll establish them firmly in new Holy Scriptures, we’ll make laws, build our own synagogues and select our own high priests, Scribes and Pharisees.”
Jesus was terrified. “You crucify the spirit, Jacob,” he shouted. “No, no, I don’t want that!”
“This is the only was we can prevent the spirit from turning into air and escaping,” Jacob countered.
“But it won’t be free anymore; it won’t be spirit!”
“That doesn’t matter. It will look like spirit. For our work, Rabbi, that’s sufficient.”
A cold sweat flowed over Jesus….
Jesus, despairing, lifted his hands. He seemed to be asking for help. “I shall send you the Comforter, the spirit of truth. He will guide you.”
“Send us the Comforter quickly,” John cried, “so that we won’t be led astray and fail to find you again, Rabbi!”
Jacob shook his hard, obstinate head. “It too—this spirit of truth you’re talking about—it too will be crucified. You must realize, Rabbi, that the spirit will be crucified as long as men exist. But it doesn’t matter. Something is always left behind, and that, I tell you, is enough for us.”
“It’s not enough for me!” Jesus shouted in despair.