"The Author of Life....Crucified and Killed"

My brothers and sisters, today the Church commemorates the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It's an event we have grown familiar with throughout our lives as Christians, yet still remains confusing and troubling to those less aware of its meaning. For instance, during St. Paul's time with the Corinthians, many labeled the early Church's hope in the cross as absolute ludicrous......after all, the cross was the ultimate instrument of death, a torturous device employed by the Romans. But the Church understands the true transformation of death into life, brought about by God Himself. Through this mystery, salvation has come to fulfillment, life eternal has been made possible, and victory over death, everlasting.

I'd like to share an absolutely incredible reflection written by Bishop Robert Barron (see "Catholic Companions" for links to his material). One of the most powerful statements offered in his piece is this realization: "On Calvary, the Author of Life was crucified and killed." Imagine, the Creator of all things good, holy, and lovely.......killed. Herein lies the greatest paradox of all time, that the Maker of all life would somehow be destroyed by it. What an incredible turning point in history, not even to mention the events shortly following the Crucifixion. Indeed, Christ then rose triumphantly, upsetting all prior knowledge, wisdom, and belief. Praise be to God!

As we conclude this most holy day, please meditate on Bishop Barron's thoughts, and continuously thank the Father for His endless love:

"Friends, our Gospel today is John’s great account of the Passion of Jesus. The ultimate good—God incarnate—appeared, and we collectively responded not with exultation but with murderous violence. On Calvary, the Author of Life was crucified and killed.

"The crucifixion is the fullest expression of the divine anger at sin. We are meant to see on that cross, not simply a violent display, but rather our own ugliness. What brought Jesus to the cross? Stupidity, anger, mistrust, institutional injustice, betrayal of friends, denial, unspeakable cruelty, scapegoating, and fear.

"But in the brutality of the cross we also see the fullest expression of the divine solidarity with sinners. God himself has come to stand with us in our dysfunction and absorb into his forgiveness all of the deadly sins. Yes, we know, with disquieting certitude, that we are sinners. But, with Paul, we willingly boast of our weakness, for we know with equal clarity that we are redeemed sinners.

"Jesus’ crucifixion was the opening up of the divine heart so that we could see that no sin of ours could finally separate us from the love of God."