Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
I remember the first time I wept at the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. It was no longer just a story for me, like a novel. It was real. Jesus died for my sins. How can we remain unchanged knowing that Jesus gave his life so that we may live?
In the first reading, Isaiah says that this suffering servant bore our infirmities, was pierced for our offenses, and was crushed for our sins. Yet, Isaiah also says, “By his stripes we were healed. The LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.” Somehow, this suffering servant can save us, if we let him save us.
When we look at a crucifix, when we read the story of his Passion, we should remember that our sins are mingled with his blood. He has nailed our transgressions to the cross with him. Somehow, in God’s plan, the death of Jesus offers us a release from the guilt of our misconduct. When we look at Jesus on the cross, we look at God’s love for us. And when we hear him say, “Father, forgive them,” God is forgiving us too.
When Jesus told us to follow him, his footsteps led to the cross. Today we stand at the foot of his cross, and we mourn. But we also give thanks. Without the cross we would have no hope. “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Heb 5:8-9).
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross we have been redeemed.