Parishioners at St. Rocco Parish in Cleveland welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic on March 18 as he prayed Stations of the Cross with them and spent time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. (See photo gallery above.)
The bishop told those gathered that he regularly prays the Stations during Lent – a tradition he began many years ago. The Stations remind us of Jesus’ journey to his death and his triumph over death – his Resurrection.
“Jesus trusted his father that he would rise on the third day,” Bishop Malesic said. He told the congregation that Jesus knew he would suffer and he could have asked his heavenly father for a reprieve, but he was God’s son and was obedient – even to death. “And he was rewarded with Resurrection,” he said.
The bishop said Jesus is present in all who suffer. “As children of God, each of us has a cross to bear,” he said, explaining it could be an illness, addiction or another issue. “Jesus walks with us as we carry our crosses,” he added, including the people of Ukraine who are suffering in the wake of the ongoing Russian invasion.
It’s important that we realize we are not alone, that Jesus walks with us and we should not give up, the bishop said, noting that “Eternal life is on the other side.”
The bishop said the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament reminds us of our future. If we do what Jesus told us to do – be faithful, love God and follow him – we will be rewarded. He said we should “try to bring a little bit of heaven here on earth – a little bit of the kingdom of the future so we will recognize it and the Lord will recognize us.”
After greeting parishioners, the bishop joined Father James Mayer, O de M, St. Rocco’s pastor, and other Mercedarian friars to sample food from the parish fish fry.