...keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader, and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
This joy is sturdier than all sorrow because it echoes the joy of Jesus’ own Heart and springs from our vision of Jesus as God-sent Messiah and Savior. Now is the world’s salvation taking place, always the burning desire of Jesus’ Heart. Though he has to go through the depths of human suffering, Christ embraces his Passion joyfully because of what it will attain: universal reconciliation of all God’s children with the Father and fullness of eternal life. The first and last word this week is going to be the same: joy, though in between we will have to experience passing sorrow, dismay, and sadness. But ultimately, there is no such thing as “Christian tragedy” because “love is strong as death," and divine love always triumphs in the end.
The Man of Sorrows, Master of the Borgo Crucifix (Master of the Franciscan Crucifixes), thirteenth century, The National Gallery, London. Meditation by Father Simeon.
