THE PARADOX OF THE CROSS - 04/07/23 (Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion)

(Today is Good Friday, so let's practice fasting and abstinence. Kindly see the article below for more information about this.) 

John 19:30

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040623-Supper.cfm

Blessed Good Friday! Jesus Christ showed to us how He abandoned Himself completely to the Father. It may be easy for us to say that we desire to do all of God's will or that we are offering our whole self to God. However, what may hinder us in giving ourselves totally to God is our dislike for the cross. It's because the cross itself is paradoxical. In a paradox, there seems to be many things that are completely oppose to one another, but together, they form a coherent idea. One of the examples of this paradox is the concept of sin and salvation. Jesus Christ was not hurt simply because of the physical sufferings that He endured. He was also offended most especially due to our sins. Our sins caused greatest pains in the Sacred Heart of Christ. He bore our sins on the cross. When we commit sins, we end up becoming farther from Christ. Usually, when we offend someone, we are ashamed to reconcile with them because we know that we are guilty. But, Jesus is different. He used His wounds to become the instruments of our salvation. Our souls can experience true healing because of the sacrifice of Christ. And, through His passion and death, we can be closer to Him even more. 

Another example of the paradox of the Cross is seen in the appearance of Jesus. Seen from the outside perspective, the sufferings of our Lord was unbearable. He received more than many lashes on the back. His head was full of thorns. Jesus was always receiving multiple blows as He was carrying the cross. The sight of Jesus on the Cross was not very attractive physically. But, what we should not neglect is that in His passion and death, our Lord Jesus revealed the beauty of His infinite mercy for us. He had shown, not just in His words, but also in His actions, the beauty of God's goodness and love. It's difficult to accept the sufferings in our own lives because we perceive it as painful and ugly. But, when we see this as opportunities to reflect the love of Christ for God, by always trusting in Him amidst our sufferings, and for our neighbors by loving those who cause us pain, we will learn to be a more faithful follower of Jesus. May the passion and death of our Savior move us to love Him and turn away from sins. Let's also persevere in receiving the sacraments which are vessels of His mercy for us. And, as a sign of our love for Jesus, let's allow His graces to transform us to Himself by accepting our crosses and by loving those who may bring sufferings to us. May we imitate the obedience of Jesus on the Cross, and through this, we will have the hope of joining our glorified Lord in heaven.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth