Saturday, April 07, 2007

"And Jesus crying out with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost." (Luke 23, 46)

T
he last words of Jesus on the Cross, terrible words for those foolish men who deny eternal life and immortality of souls. These words will help us to understand better the purpose of our pilgrimage on earth, to realize that our priority is not the world with its pleasures and riches but eternity, Heaven and God!
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit!". These words show us the way of dying, for Our Lord calls the Father who awaits His Son. This reality will help the Christian soul to detach itself from the world. Our Redeemer calls His Father not to defend His dignity, nor for protection, money or wordly possessions - but to give up His Spirit. St Augustine says that Our Lord recommends in this way to His Father all those who will raise through Him again, the members of His Church. Let us to be sure we belong to Jesus by rejecting all that is wordly, sinful and sensual. Our Blessed Lord died on the Cross for us to live, to recognize and acknowledge Him as our Lord and Master who offered Himself up for us. It is utmost disgrace and ingratitude to deny this by apostasy or atheism. He died on the Cross but at this moment His triumph begins, we already want to sing: Alleluia! Happy Easter! Before we leave the Cross and Our Sorrowful Lady, let us make resolution to embrace our crosses with gladness and gratitude, which unable us one day to participate and enjoy with Jesus and Mary the eternal happiness in Heaven: "yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him." (Rom: 8, 17).

Today's image is by Velazquez