Into the Darkness

This week starts what to those of the world might consider a dark time for Catholic faithful. We start today the journey towards the murder of Christ Jesus, Whom we call Son of God and Messiah. We start by standing by the roadside singing ‘Hosanna in the Highest’ as Jesus rides past.

“…became obedient to the point of death a even death on a cross”, “the name that is above every name”, “to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:8,9,11

We, who know the Truth, know this is a week leading to great light and victory.

This is a week of approach. A week in which we should spend our time approaching God with the crosses of our sins. My crosses are heavy and many. We all have crosses of sin, we all carry lashes and rods in our hands with which Christ will be scourged. We take them up as this week begins. Though today we cry ‘Hosanna’, this week will bring us to deny Jesus with our sin, to scourge the Lord with our sins, and to become the weight of the cross pressing down upon Him.

But, we know it doesn’t end at the post nor the cross. All the tragic and horrible sin we crush down upon Jesus, He carries up to Golgotha. He lifts His eyes while upon the cross to find you in the crowd. His gaze doesn’t condemn. In fact, the eyes of God seek you in love. He wants you to know what He is doing, He is doing for you.

How do you respond? I pray your response is one of contrite repentance. Looking at the blood dripping from God’s nail-pierced hands and thorn crowned head, see love and mercy, not judgment. When that is too much, and you can’t see past the due judgment, listen…. “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)

We walk openly into the darkness, with eyes wide, we deny Christ in our sin. We sin without thought nor count. We cast our lot with the world as we condemn the world for its sin. I am a wretched soul standing downcast at the foot of Calvary. Guilty of my sins and those of which I accuse the world. But, from ‘Hosanna’ today, I walk to Calvary crying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)

Then, through the darkness of this tragic week, we become a glimmering light. The light that comes from our soul brightens the cross standing upon the hill. And, others see the shadow of the cross. God willing, they follow our example and repent.

Nothing should give us more light of soul than to hear, ““Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

We are the light of the world; may our light shine before all, That they may see the good that we do, and give glory to God.