We adore you, O Christ, and we bless yo

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading

John 19:28-30 New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition (NRSVACE)

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Meditation

Death is the greatest of all the mysteries of life.  A dead body is so totally different – the body is sort of empty – we say lifeless and by that we mean without that certain something that animates and makes a person a … person.  Here, too, Jesus allows himself to enter into the universal mystery of all our lives.  He experiences death and all that made him the person whom we call Jesus.  Jesus – his smile, his laugh, his gentleness and compassion, his friendship was gone.  Forever.  Because that is what death means.  No one comes back from the grave to tell of what lies ‘beyond’.  Death is a one way street leading no where.  Jesus accepts this fate just like you and I must do.  No last minute reprieve for him – or for us.  Yet – didn’t he say that those who lose their life for His sake will find it?  We too must embrace death just like Jesus did if we are to enter into eternal life.  To embrace death is to look Sister Death in the face and be without fear.  If we have loved as perfectly as we can then that love can drive out fear – and ready us for the great day of resurrection.  After all that I have just said actually I was wrong.  If we have died with Him, then we shall live with Him.  Easter – Pasqua – the Paschal Mystery.

Question

Does my faith go beyond the boundaries of life and death – into the very mystery of God himself?  Am I staving off the ‘hour’ as long as I can without really thinking of what God has prepared for those who love Him?  Those who truly follow His Son by taking up their cross and really following him – even through death into life?

Our Father………..Glory be……………Hail Mary………….

Prayer

Jesus, may I be an Easter person who has lived through the pain and sadness of Good Friday, and the emptiness of Holy Saturday, with courage and hope – and faith and in your power to heal and restore all things.  Amen

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