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.
Today’s readings begin with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. They end with His death on a cross outside the city walls.
How quickly things change.
From joy to sorrow.
From triumph to suffering.
From crowds shouting “Hosanna!” to voices crying out, “Crucify him!”
Life can change in an instant.
A routine visit to the doctor can suddenly bring news of a serious or even terminal illness. A person can walk into work confident and secure — and walk out a short time later without a job.
In a moment, what felt stable can feel uncertain.
Jesus understands sudden change. He understands the weight of suffering. He carried not only His own cross, but our crosses as well. He bore our sins and our sorrows to Calvary.
And on that cross, He defeated death.
The early Fathers of the Church remind us that the cross is not a symbol of defeat but of victory. The cross saves us. It gives us something firm to hold onto. God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to save us.
Now is the time to cling to the cross. It is the sign of God’s unshakable love.
Pope Francis once said of the cross: “We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing can separate us from his redeeming love.”
The cross does not end in despair. It leads to resurrection. It leads to joy.
This week, if you haven’t already done this, consider placing a cross in a place of honor in your home. Let it become a focal point of prayer. Turn your home into a small chapel — a place where Christ is welcomed and remembered.
Bow before the cross and pray:
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world. Amen.
And remember: Place yourself on the cross with Jesus. And let Jesus place himself on your cross. And carrying the cross together, walk with Jesus all the way to Easter.
Have a blessed and Holy Week everyone.