THE POWER OF THE CROSS
Today we do not celebrate the Eucharist as it is the day we remember the cross of Christ — His passion and death. There is no place for the resurrection today except in hope. It is good to reflect on a life without the resurrection as it will remind us of the negative power of sin and its horrible consequence, the worst of which is being deprived of meeting God in eternity.
As we walk with Jesus in His passion today, both in the Stations of the Cross and also in the solemn commemoration of the Passion of Jesus at 3:00 p.m. (where there is the opportunity to venerate the Cross), let us pray for the grace of a deeper understanding of sin so that we might more actively avoid temptation when they come into our lives. Yes, today we remember the Passion of Jesus, but we should do more than this. We should do our best to experience the desolation of sin, the consequence of which is eternal death.
Today is a day of fasting and abstinence for most Catholics. These are penances designed to help us enter into the spirit of self-denial and penance as an attempt to be with Jesus in His suffering.
Today is the day that makes sense of all human suffering. It is only through the suffering of Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, that suffering can have meaning. Without the salvific power of suffering through this experience in Jesus’ life and mission, it would merely be part of the human lot. Joining our suffering with that of Jesus gives it a salvific character whose power is beyond our imagination. The next time you experience suffering, prayerfully offer it for the sake of someone, the Church, or a particular mission of the Church. Offering our suffering without complaint is one of the most powerful forms of intercession we have at our disposal. Let us not waste any opportunity that comes our way as the suffering is there anyway. We may as well put it to good use! Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you experiencing any suffering right now? For whom do you offer it?
Jesus, You suffered and died for our sake. Thank You for this act of generous love. Help me to respond just as generously as You call me to be Your disciple.
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