Contemplating Christ's Passion

As we once again enter into the Easter season our minds recall the Sunday school lessons of our youth, the Bible readings out of the Gospels, or some bit of a sermon we once heard. Of all of those acts that resonate two thousand years later, acts of greed, of hope, of cruelty, and of mercy; those which speak the loudest to each of us will vary. To some of us, the weeping of Peter after his betrayal of Jesus touches our hearts deeply as we recall our own failures. To others, the mock trial of Jesus reminds us of the unfair twists and turns we’ve experienced. Some will be moved by the women standing by helplessly as Jesus is crucified, their own experience of watching a loved one slip away not forgotten. For me, the words of Jesus during his ordeal seem especially poignant. His answer to Pilate, “Yes, it is as you say”; simple, and honest. To his Father as they crucified him, “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”, and to the criminal at his side, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Regardless of the moment of Christ’s passion which speaks to you this Easter, take a moment to stop and contemplate what God is saying to you through his Word. How does the agony and death of Christ speak to your heart, and more importantly, how does the resurrection of Christ uplift your soul this Easter?