As we start to think of the season of Advent and Christmas in all its joys you may ask why I am focusing upon the Passion and Cross. The Cross and the crib are inexorably connected.
Jesus is very clear that one of the quickest and surest ways to grow in holiness is by meditating on His Passion. Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, whom Jesus called His Secretary of Mercy, made numerous notations in her Diary about this practice and its power in leading souls to deeper levels of trust in the Lord’s love and mercy. From her writings we learn how meditating on the Passion of Jesus delights the Lord, sanctifies us, and can be of great benefit to others.
“Let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 72
“Remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My wounds.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 379
The Lord wanted Saint Faustina, and we, in turn, to meditate on His Passion. In fact, she recorded that the Lord told her He was pleased “best” and “most” when she did so, and that it brought Him great joy.
“Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light falls upon my soul.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 267
“You please Me most when you meditate on My Sorrowful Passion.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1512
“The contemplation of My painful wounds is of great profit to you, and it brings Me great joy.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 369
Shouldn’t we do what brings Jesus great joy and pleases Him most? Turning our thoughts and minds to the suffering He endured and uniting ourselves with Him is of “great profit” that will last for all eternity.
“He said to me, My daughter, meditate frequently on the sufferings which I have undergone for your sake, and then nothing of what you suffer for Me will seem great to you.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1512
Each of us will encounter many difficulties as we travel along our spiritual path. Our Blessed Mother encourages us to focus on her Son’s passion to help us stay clear of snares and traps. Let us follow her advice and be assured victory over any and all obstacles. “Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this way you will be victorious.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 449
Saint Faustina wrote of the many benefits she received by meditating on the Passion. As we walk in her footsteps we too may be hopeful in receiving these gifts to help us in our quest for holiness. “He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 267