Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Psalm 30
Hebrews 4:14-16.5:7-9
John 18:1—19:42
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION
Today is the second day of the Sacred Triduum. Apart from the stations of the cross that characterizes the day, today’s liturgy is made up of four parts, namely, the liturgy of the Word which helps us understand the true meaning of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the prayer of the faithful, the veneration of the cross and the liturgy of the Holy Communion. The focus of today’s liturgy is the cross.
In Jewish understanding, the cross was the emblem of shame, curse, punishment, condemnation, torture, shame, suffering and death. The imagery of a cross was absurd and resentful. It pointed to anger and bitterness, hatred and violence. But Jesus changed the perspective of the cross. With Jesus, the cross has become the emblem of friendship, redemption and glory. It has become the symbol of triumph, life, forgiveness and reconciliation.
As the Suffering Servant, Jesus was thought of as someone accursed and punished by God. He was despised, rejected, humiliated, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, and finally crucified. And yet, through his Passion and death, he has become the source of salvation, healing and wholeness for us all (Is. 52:13—53:12). Through his Passion and death, Jesus has become the Eternal High Priest who never ceases to intercede for us. Because he had gone through suffering, he is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, trials and sufferings (Heb. 4:14-16.5:7-9).
Today, as we contemplate the mystery of the cross, which is the mystery of God’s infinite love for us, let us reflect on the culture of death and violence, revenge and unforgiveness, that characterize our world today. Innocent people are unjustly condemned, jailed or killed. Innocent and vulnerable lives are lost through abortion and war. Out of our selfish ambitions, we sell others and destroy their reputation through backbiting and blackmails. The love for power has taken over the power of love.
May the Lord forgive us! May he be the consolation and strength for those who are suffering. And may his saving death on the cross sanctify and redeem us. Amen
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