Sunday, March 20, 2016

The Lifeless Body of the Son She Bore

(Continuing to share the short Stations of the Cross reflections we had at my church...
The style of these reflections is that we imagine what Jesus might say at each station, and then reply with what we should say.  The following is the reflection that accompanied Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross:)


Jesus says:

The sacrifice is done.

Yes, my Mass is complete;
but not my mother's
and not yours, my other self.

My mother still must cradle in her arms
the lifeless body of the son she bore.

You, too, must part from those you love,
and grief will come to you.

In your bereavements think of this:
A multitude of souls were saved
by Mary's sharing in my Calvary.
Your grief can also be the price of souls.


I reply:

I beg you, Lord,
help me accept the partings that must come -
from friends who go away,
children leaving home,
and most of all, 
my dear ones
when you shall call them to yourself.

Then, give me grace to say:
"As it has pleased you, Lord,
to take them home,
I bow to your most holy will.
And if by just one word
I might restore their lives
against your will,
I would not speak."

Grant them eternal joy.



I hope you have a Blessed Triduum.

 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Is My Soul Worth This Much?

(Continuing to share the short Stations of the Cross reflections we had at my church...
The style of these reflections is that we imagine what Jesus might say at each station, and then reply with what we should say.  The following is the reflection that accompanied Jesus is Crucified:)


Jesus Says:

Can you imagine what a crucifixion is like?

My executioners stretch my arms;
they hold my hands and wrist against the wood
and press the nail until is stabs my flesh.
Then, with one heavy hammer smash,
they drive it through - and pain bursts like a bomb of fire in my brain.

They seize the other arm;
and agony again explodes.

Then, raising up my knees 
so that my feet are flat against the wood, 
they hammer them fast, too.


I reply:

My God,
I look at you and think:
Is my soul worth this much?

What can I give you in return?

I here and now accept for all my life
whatever sickness, torment, agony may come. 
To every cross I touch my lips.

O blessed cross that lets me be -
with you -
a co-redeemer of humanity.


I hope you are all having a Blessed Lent ...