REFLECTIONS

"Why We Exalt the Holy Cross"

To our limited human reason, Jesus on the cross may appear vanquished. On the contrary he is the all-powerful conqueror over sin and Satan. He is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world, was to demonstrate in a visible and striking manner: victory over death, which is the consequence of sin, is the sign of victory over sin.

This admirable contrast of power in immolation is to be found in all souls in whom the image of the Crucified is profoundly imprinted: in Mary, Mother of Sorrows, in the persecuted apostles, who were considered (1 Cor 4:13). This should teach us the marvelous fruitfulness of suffering when supernaturally endured in union with the Savior ....

It is clear that our Savior's passion was a true sacrifice, the greatest of all sacrifices .... On the cross, Jesus was at once priest and victim, for he was offering himself up voluntarily. From the time he prayed at Gethsemane until he expired, all his words and acts were expressions of this voluntary oblation which is, as it were, the soul of this sacrifice of adoration, supplication, reparation, and thanksgiving ....

Each day as we assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass let us learn to live by the sacrifice of the cross which is perpetuated in substance on the altar. Let us especially ask for an understanding of the cross and for a love of those crosses which Providence has reserved for us from all eternity until we enter heaven. Let us remember this law of Christian life: Unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (Jn 12:24).

Let us often repeat the seven last words of Christ, which are, so to speak, his testament, and let us ask Mary to enable us to understand them: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. - This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise.-Woman, behold thy son. Behold thy mother. - My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? - I thirst - It is consummated. - Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit."

FATHER REGINALD GARRIGOU-LAGRANGE, O.P.
Father Garrigou-Lagrange (┼1964) was a prolific Dominican theologian and spiritual writer. He was the theology doctoral advisor of the future Saint John Paul II.