WERE YOU THERE WHEN WE CRUCIFIED OUR LORD?

"Jesus uttered a loud cry and said, 'Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.' After He said this, He expired." —Luke 23:46

Are we sleeping instead of praying with Jesus in His bloody, sweaty agony? (see Lk 22:46)

Have we ever kissed someone sinfully and thereby betrayed Jesus with a kiss? (see Lk 22:48)

Have we ever drawn the sword of physical or psychological violence, irrespective of the Lord's wishes? (see Lk 22:50)

Have we ever sold Jesus by sinning financially? (see Lk 22:5)

At home or at work, how many times have we denied Christ in our words or our silences? (see Lk 22:57ff)

Like Herod and Pilate, have we ever made friends at Jesus' expense? (see Lk 23:12)

Have we ever let ourselves be manipulated into sharing in Christ's crucifixion? (see Lk 23:18ff)

When we carry our crosses, aren't we like Simon of Cyrene? (see Lk 23:26) When we repent, aren't we like the good thief, who is with Jesus in paradise? (see Lk 23:43) When we renew our baptismal promises a week from today, won't we be making an act of faith as the centurion made at the foot of Jesus' cross? (see Lk 23:47) When we decide to live and die for love of Jesus, won't we be like Jesus?

Prayer: Jesus, I throw my palms and my life at Your feet.

Promise: "The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." —Is 50:4

Praise: All hail, King Jesus, Suffering Servant and Messiah! God has highly exalted You and given You the name above every other name (Phil 2:9). All glory be to You!