April 7, 2009

Online Stations of the Cross

11. Jesus is nailed to the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said,
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:32-33

"Father, forgive them..." That Jesus could think of others when his body was wracked with pain defies all logic and experience. Yet always, Christ's outlook was toward others. Even in death, he desired his executioners, and those who had condemned him, to be forgiven.

From the beginning of his ministry to his death on the cross, Jesus modeled for us his commandment, "Love one another, as I have loved you." As CS Lewis wrote, to love at all is to be vulnerable. It is this very vulnerability that frightens us. It is easier to keep our walls up, and one way to do so is to hold on to petty grievances.

Today, can we say with Christ, "Father, forgive them….Father, forgive me?"

Lo, where condemned he
Bears his own cross, with pain, yet by and by
When it bears him, he must bear more and die.
Now thou art lifted up, draw me to thee,
And at thy death giving such liberal dole,
Moist, with one drop of thy blood, my dry soul.
John Donne

Holy God
Holy and Mighty
Holy Immortal One
Have mercy upon us.

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