Experience The Holy Week...

Watch, listen and reflect on the journey of the Passion of Our King with Doug Barry of Radix...  I promise you a life changing experience...I promise you will be touched to the deepest corners of your heart.  Wishing one and all a Blessed and Meaningful Holy Week ahead.

"And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani?  Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?..." (Douay-Rheims, Mark 15:34)

This cry still echoes in our lives and in our world today...

Simply...an Antique Crucifix...

   
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24, NAB)

Earlier today, as I curiously opened a box of stuff belonging to my late father, I discovered a very old, antique, blackened (due to ageing) crucifix, metal based, with good quality wooden façade, front and back, on which the three dimensional corpus of Jesus Christ was nailed.

I am not certain of the manufacture origin of the crucifix.  This antique crucifix would have accompanied my father on his journey for 73 years; which ended peacefully nearly 8 years ago.


At the top of the Crucifix was the usual scroll with the acronym letters “I.N.R.I” - the initials for the Latin phrase, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” - Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum


At first glance, it looks like any normal crucifix which I have seen in my lifetime, but on closer examination, I noticed that there is a skull and bones at the foot of the crucifix, just beneath pierced feet of Jesus.


I have never seen a crucifix like this one before, although this one belongs to my father.  And yes, there are still too many things which I do not know about him in his lifetime, but what I know is that he has given me, the gift of the Catholic faith...to sustain me on my journey.

Today, some have even termed such a crucifix as the “Adam’s Cross”.


The skulls and bones symbolizes Jesus Christ’s triumphant victory over death and sin.  There were some old Jewish and Christian legend that the skull of Adam (who brought sin and death into the world through his disobedience to God), was buried at Golgotha; the place where Jesus was brutally crucified.


“For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life…The first man, Adam, became a living being," the last Adam a life-giving spirit. …  “Death is swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?”” (1 Corinthians 15: 22, 45, 54, 55, NAB)

Similarly, on the back of this crucifix, exactly at the point of the intersection of the two cross beams, was a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns.

The wounds and crown of thorns could denote the manner of Jesus' painful death, while the fire may symbolize the transformative power of His divine love.  Coincidently, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be celebrated on the Friday, 19 days after Pentecost Sunday; coming up, just around the corner.


Whatever it is, this treasured crucifix belonging to my late father also reminded me of the last four things, which must always be pondered by us as we continue our journey – death, judgment, heaven and hell – these are the ultimate truths of our existence.


“In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin.” (Sirach 7:36, NAB)


With this, I simply said a quiet prayer for the soul of my father and staring at the crucifix...I joined both my hands…and pondered in my heart...

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment.

Meanwhile, I contemplate with great love and tender mercy Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, and calling to mind the words which David in prophecy made Thee say concerning Thyself, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and feet; they have numbered all My bones.”

The Cross or The Crucifix?...A Simple Reflection

Here is sharing with you a simple reflection as we journey towards the Easter Vigil of the Holy Triduum.



Why would millions of people around the world today want to follow and have relationship with a man hanging on the gallows – the Cross…the Crucifix?

It is just so out of this world…so morbid…so repulsive…such an unsuitable sight…so crude…such an awful instrument of torture.  Many people have resorted to commercialize or to soften the image, eradicating the sombre side, the bloodiness, by removing the figure on the Cross…leaving just a bare Cross…some believe this move to be a better image of the risen Christ…depicting the Cross as the place for true glory…

In the process of doing so, people hope to result in a Christian religion that is more cheerful...more popular...more acceptable...more marketable...   This softened image might have just withdrawn the Cross from the reality of human tragedy.


“A faith which speeds through the idyllic days of Galilee to the Easter garden, with Good Friday missed out, is a faith trivialized, turned into opium of the people, a way of escape.  ….What the eye don’t see the heart don’t grieve about.  …To be truthful, religion too must enter the darkness and face the fact of evil.  …True religion is that which bears the marks of the Passion and is thus able to touch the hearts of those who are haunted by the ghastliness of the world.” (Peter Cornwell, On the River’s Edge)


Ghastliness of the world can be construed as the evils that threatens, diminishes and destroys human fulfillment; poverty, injustice, suffering, human wickedness, indifference, earthquake, famine and disease…all these cast a dark shadow over the world.


“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things as gold or silver, from your vain conversation of the tradition of your fathers: But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unspotted and undefiled…” (1 Peter 1:18, 19, Douay Rheims)

Wikipedia defines Crucifix as coming from the Latin Cruci fixus meaning “(one) fixed to a cross” a three dimensional cross with a representation of Jesus' body, referred to in English as the corpus (Latin for "body"); a holy symbol especially important and evident in all the Catholic Church.

Sadly, even in the midst of this Easter Triduum, there are still those that claim to follow Jesus that still do not accept the Cross as a symbol of Christianity; regarding this as idolatry. Some others view it more appropriate to have crosses without the corpus as Jesus has been raised (aiming to focus more on the glory rather than the suffering) – reducing the Cross of its true meaning of the real Cross of Jesus Christ.

Catholics throughout tradition continue to believe that the Cross, an instrument of torture and humiliation, only becomes meaningful with the presence of Jesus Christ on it; the corpus. Jesus was probably the first to embrace the cross on the way to Golgotha, transforming and redefining it into something that is to be revered.  Having said that, the resurrection of Jesus at Easter is similarly exulted no less in many ways within the Catholic Church rich liturgy and apostolic tradition.


“…without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22, Douay Rheims)


This Easter Triduum weekend, we remember that the Cross of Jesus Christ, is not just any two beams of wood.

The precious blood of Jesus shed on the Cross has transformed these cruel wooden beams to becoming a holy instrument for our salvation and redemption for all our sins.  The Passion and Jesus cannot be separated from the Cross.

Ultimately, it is the Crucifix that serves as the holy symbol of our redemption, salvation and hope of eternal life.


When we meditate on the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, we solemnly gaze at the Crucifix, we reverently and prayerfully kiss the Crucifix, wear and carry the Crucifix…because we want to remember that our salvation came at the greatest of cost; there was a huge price to be paid by the Son of God for the salvation of humanity.

We remember also the sins of mankind, caused by our fallen nature...our human condition…the suffering Jesus had to endure…the consequences of our sins that nailed the Son of God on the Cross.

The Crucifix reminds us all of the great love of God…that at the end of the day, we are all great sinners in need of His Divine Mercy.


As we move into the hours before Easter…prayerfully gaze at the Crucifix and remember…your journey.

Via Dolorosa 12/14…Jesus Is Raised Upon The Cross and Dies

This Holy Week of Lent 2011, we continue to ponder on our journey with Jesus, who “went out, carrying His Cross, to the place called “the place of the skull”, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha” (John 19:17).  I continue to pray that the reflection of these holy steps of Christ’s journey will quietly speak to your heart, especially this Holy Week.

“Adoramus te, christe, et benedicimus tibi, quia per crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

We adore Thee O Christ, and we praise Thee - Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.”

– The Testament of St. Francis of Assisi – 1182 - 1226

Scripture Reading:

“After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”  There was a vessel filled with common wine.  So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.  When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”  And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.  Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.  So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.  But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.  An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe. For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.” And again another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”” (John  19:28-37, NAB)

“Many bulls surround me; fierce bulls of Bashan encircle me.  They open their mouths against me, lions that rend and roar.  Like water my life drains away; all my bones grow soft.  My heart has become like wax, it melts away within me.” (Psalm 22:13-15, NAB)

“Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny?  When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, a grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.” (Isaiah 53:7-9, NAB)

Simply Reflect:

Lord Jesus, you noticed a few more savage soldiers gathered around you, getting ready to set the beams of the Cross upright, swaying it to and fro…into the dug-out hole of Golgotha, waiting to swallow it.  As this was being performed, your whole body shook with pain with each vibration.

Now that the Cross was upright, the weight of your entire body centered on your hands and feet...you went into trauma…cramps pulled every muscle…your arms turned numb supporting your entire weight, it is simply so difficult to breathe.  You struggled and looked up…the entire landscape of Jerusalem, became visible - the Holy City.

“I looked about, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that there was no one to lend support; so my own arm brought about the victory and my own wrath lent me its support.” (Isaiah 63:5, NAB)

“Hear my cry for help, my king, my God!  To you I pray, O Lord…” (Psalm 5:3, NAB)

The final hour has truly come…  Jesus saw John and Mary Magdalene fell prostrate to the ground in grief near the foot of the Cross.  Your Mother, Mary was embracing the foot of the Cross, supported by Salome and Mary of Cleophas.  What words can express the deep grief of a Mother seeing her Son in such an inhumane condition?  The pain that surely pierced her heart.

“And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35, Duoay Rheims)

Mother Mary, upon recalling the prophesy of Simeon in the temple of Jerusalem, looked deeply into the swollen eyes of her beloved Son and pondered quietly in her heart; conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a Virgin, the flesh of her flesh, the bone of her bone, the heart of her heart, the blood of her blood – now hanging on the wooden beams between two criminals - crucified, disfigured, abused, condemned by the very people whom He came to redeem.

My Son, you loved everyone, you leave everyone free to choose you or reject you.  Though you are the Son of God, you never forced anyone to follow you.   All these time, Precious Jesus, you only stood at the door of our hearts and knock…waiting for our response.

It is now about three o’clock…it is almost time…the mission of Jesus is almost finished.  You looked at the skyline of Jerusalem…every step, every breath, every wound, every drop of precious blood; every fall…everything on the path to Golgotha has been worth it…the benefits to my people will be eternal.  People of all generations can now find strength to similarly travel the hard, difficult and narrow path in life towards a more perfect union with you, Jesus.

“Death is going home, yet people are afraid of what will come, so they do not want to die.  If we do, if there is no mystery, we will not be afraid.  There is also the question of conscience – “I could have done better.”  Very often as we live, so we die.  Death is nothing but a continuation of life…  This life is not the end; people who believe it is, fear death.  If it was properly explained that death was nothing but going home to God, then there would be no fear,” – Mother Teresa

Jesus, although your entire body has been bruised, battered and marked in some way…your head is bursting from the blows…your back is torn apart...your heart is broken with sorrow…your hands and feet are pierced...yet, your soul is simply serene and empty...waiting to be filled by the perpetual Light of Heaven.

“…I was as a meek lamb…that is carried to be a victim…” (Jeremiah 11:19, Douay Rheims)

Sinless, spotless, pure…Jesus paid more than the full price of sin to redeem humanity.  Noise, cruel insults and confusion continue to surround Golgotha…  Jesus, you have heard every thought of humanity…vibrating deep within your heart.  You knew that they just do not understand…like little children…you loved them all.

“…Father, forgive them, they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:24, NAB)

 As you continue to hang from the Cross, wave after wave of temptation came sweeping in to your weakened and despaired mind…worst than the 40 days in the desert…Jesus was tempted by Satan, so that He will use His power selfishly to change the course of human salvation…to just saving Himself.

“…Vah, thou that destroyest the temple of God, and in three days dost rebuild it: save thy own self: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Matthew 27:40, Douay Rheims)

On the Cross, Jesus thirsts…for God...

“O God, you are my God-- for you I long!  For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, like a land parched, lifeless, and without water.” (Psalm 63:2, NAB)

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?  Why so far from my call for help, from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:2, NAB)

“I stretch out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land…hasten to answer me, Lord; for my spirit fails me.  Do not hide your face from me…” (Psalm 143:6-7, NAB)

“And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17, NAB)

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (Matthew 27:46, NAB)

“…It is finished.” (John 19:30, NAB)

“Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, faithful God.” (Psalm 31:6, NAB)

The skies gradually became darker…and darker…the earth shook…

Quiet Pondering:

In silence, we bow down…we kneel…we simply contemplate quietly.  Words simply cannot express…the cries from within the depths of our hearts…

“Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:42, Douay Rheims)

“My life has become a great burden to me, because it deprives me of true life.  I know, because the Lord prolongs my life, that this is his will.  And yet I am never able, despite all my strivings, to make an act of true resignation – having continually before my mind’s eye the knowledge that it is only through death that one finds true life.”

– St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina