24
Many of us may feel that we get nothing
out of the Mass and find that, while
we are physically present during the
Divine Liturgy, our minds are many
miles away thinking about things we
must do, deadlines that have to be met
or aimlessly watching those around
us. I want to share some thoughts that
should occupy our hearts and souls as
we watch Calvary unfold standing with
Mary, Our Mother, and St. John, the
beloved Apostle.
The Mass is the Sacrifice of Calvary
repeated. We unite ourselves with the
intentions that filled the Sacred Heart
of Jesus: The SALVATION of sinners,
the OPENING of the gates of Heaven,
VICTORY over the devil and his hosts,
TRIUMPH of the Church and the
WINNING of the world for God the
Father, and the MAKING of Saints!
Let us follow Christ up the hill of Calvary
to relive His Passion: The world into
which Christ came was a world of sin
and warfare. The devil had conquered
the earth and its kingdoms. Slavery was
everywhere. Sin was the universally
approved custom. Vices had their gods
and goddesses. The gates of Heaven
were closed against sinful man. Truth
was forgotten. The devils mounted the
altars and were worshiped by depraved
adorers. Into this world, Christ came
determined to save mankind, reopen
the gates of Heaven, conquer the powers
of darkness and give to the sons and
daughters of Adam a kingdom of
justice and peace.
Bound and captive, Jesus was dragged
from Gethsemane and led by His captors
before the judges. He moved towards
death so willingly that there was no need
for ropes or chains. He was bound
and chained by His Love for us and
His eagerness to die that we might
live. Let us stand by His side as He
moves toward death. His innocence is
beyond reach of false witness. Yet, the
judges preferred their positions of
power and abundant revenues above
Truth! May God give us the faith and
courage, no matter how many stand
against us, to proclaim Him God and
King. The very people who clamored
for His death were the same people
who had seen His miracles and the
wonders of His Mercy. They had seen
Him exercise His godlike powers over
the winds and waves, and over bread
and wine. They had watched as His
gentleness lifted the sick to full health
and opened the eyes of the blind to
sight. Now, they surged around Him
crying out for His death. The false
charges fell about Him, yet He made
no answer. For Himself, He made no
defense. He is our Victim and He will
die in our place.
With what courage and love,
Christ entered upon the final
battle of His campaign!
With what heroism, He took up
the chalice offered to Him in
the Garden of Olives!