My Emmaus Journey

 Not that I completely grasp why God the Father allowed His Son to die such a horrific death, but I am starting to get a handle on why. Firstly, I recognize that my twenty-first century sensibilities are far removed from earlier centuries—-beginnings of mankind. I also know that when I want to visit someone I always bring a gift. How and why we do this is unknown but it’s natural and customary. 

Probably early man wanted to visit/communicate with God, or his gods, he would offer a gift. In times of dire need, ei, volcanic eruption, man would need to offer something very valuable.  Throwing a child in the volcano became acceptable. 

Barbaric to us in the twenty-first century, but is it?  God asked Abraham to kill his son, Isaac. Jonah was thrown in the sea to satisfy the storm gods.

Then there’s Jesus.

!!!!

Is that why one of His titles is Lamb of God?

Atonement and Example

 Jesus' crucifixion encapsulates many opinions.  The common one is that Jesus died to atone for man's sins.  It was a sacrifice to God to make up for Adam and Eve's sin.  Jesus' death also offers us an example to follow in obeying God, like Jesus did.  He had a job to do and He did it.  

One could also look at it as His death released mankind from bondage of sin.  Once Jesus died He  descended to release others from bondage. 

How about Jesus' crucifixion is about love?  Catholics hang crucifixes on their walls as a reminder of how much Jesus loved us.

There are other theories.  What's yours? 

The Ultimate Injustice

 People are able to forgive just about anything except a personal injustice done to them.  That hurts!  But I know how to get over that feeling.  Stand in front of the crucified Jesus.

What do you see?  The Son of God, suffering, and here's the point; He is perfectly innocent.  He was set up.  This is the ultimate injustice.  Meditate on this and your personal hurt won't seem the same, anymore.  

The Hands of Jesus

 

Drawing by MEK

Mary His Mother

     counted her new born's fingers

     held His tiny hands so soft

     marveled at the perfect fingernails.

Joseph, His foster-father

     grasped these hands

     placed tools in them

     guided these hands to craft.

Jesus' hands were held in prayer

     lifted up in praise

     touched people who hurt

     cured the sick in mind and body.

Jesus' hands broke the grip of Satan

     the same hands gave grace

     they strengthened others

     these hands blessed children.

Jesus' hands broke the bread that gives life

     these hands passed around the cup

     It held His Most Precious Blood

     These hands blessed the Last Super.

Jesus' hands are pierced with nails

                 The End.

The stark reality of crucifixion

     shocks us into silence.

     It's not the end.

     It is the beginning of

                hope

                resurrection

                salvation

                eternal life.

Out of these pierced hands flow

                blessings

                divine mercy

                love

                many graces.

These hands are not fastened

     they are open to receive us

     they are pouring down mercy

     they are signs of Jesus' love.

Where Are All the Men?

 Image from the Facbook page Ocean View Evangelical Community Church

A while ago, I wrote a post called The Final Letter, about writing to the pope urging him to canonize Father Jean-Joseph Lataste, and saying that I was mailing finally mailing the letter.  I mailed it alright but not to the pope.  I mailed it to the postulator of the cause.  He recommended changes.  He also advised that I get signatures.  

Herein lies the topic of this post.  Look at this picture of Jesus' Crucifixion.  Where are all the men?  Only the beloved John was present.  The other apostles were afraid to stand by Jesus.  They were afraid to witness.  

Providentially, I copied this picture from a Facebook Address of the Ocean View Evangelical Community Church in Hawaii, which was commenting on witnessing.  Yes, where are all the men?

Thank God for women.  Look at them.  

This picture will help get across what happened regarding my letter.  All the women signed.  No problem.  Only one man signed: 

My provincial  --  ignored me

My bishop  --  ignored me

My cardinal archbishop --  ignored me

two Dominican chaplains -- ignored me

A prison priests chaplain  --  ignored me

One Dominican friar didn't ignore me but he said he didn't feel comfortable signing.  My current fraternity's Dominican director said he was too busy.

Men are afraid to witness.  The result looks like Cavalry--one man, many women.

"Just say'n."

No Pain, No Gain

Today is the Triumph of the Cross.  Catholics exalt Christ's dying on the cross.  Meditating on this day, made me think of the times I was in pain (physically, mentally, emotionally).  In fact, I probably even prayed to be relieved of that pain, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest."

In retrospect, the suffering molded me into being who I am.  I should know by now, to just trust God.  If He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.

It also struck me how an object of shame, the cross, has become a symbol of triumph.  Just imagine, something that was designed to humiliate, torture, kill, shame, managed to bring about our redemption.  An example of God turning bad into good.

If it weren't for the passion and crucifixion, we wouldn't have had the Resurrection.

Barabbas

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight my two favorite seminarians, Chris Wallace and David Napoli preached about love.  They were excellent, better than some parish priests.  Chris spoke of agape love (I always think of my husband in connection with "agape love," because that's the way he loves me.)  Chris obviously is becoming a priest because he loves God so much.  Chris, of course, prays like a pirate, so his reflections are deep.

David, conquered his "ah" habit and gave an excellent talk, also.  He talked about Christ love for us.  He loved us so much, He let Himself be crucified for us.  David told us to put ourselves in the crucifixion.  Who would you be?
Pontius Pilate?  Peter who denied Jesus three times?   Mary?  John?  Soldier who nailed Jesus?

Mick, my "cloistered brother" said he'd be Barabbas.

Yeah, think about it.  It really was Jesus who set him free.  Barabbas was freed.  We are freed from sin because of Jesus.

What do you think happened to Barabbas afterwards?