This is the way.
The Cross! Here we are at the beginning of our Lenten Journey and we are invited by our Gospel of the Day to reflect on the Cross. For me, the beginning verse of Gospel is like a brief summary of the Paschal Triduum.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
The season of Lent concludes right before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, and then we enter into the Paschal Triduum, which concludes on Easter Sunday. So today’s Gospel is like a compass setting us on course for our Lenten Journey towards The Cross. Our Gospel reminds us what this season is all about. To borrow a line from the popular Disney show, The Mandalorian, “This is the Way.”
When we look at Jesus on the cross, we see a mass of horrific human suffering. Even more astounding, as the incarnate Son of God, he was undergoing a humiliation that we cannot fathom. And yet, Jesus, in our Gospel, invites us to pick up and embrace our “daily crosses.” Ours are nothing compared to His, but Jesus draws us to Himself so that we can unite our sufferings with His. Even the small inconveniences of daily life can take on more meaning for us and can be a meaningful contribution. Again, “this is the way.” There is no other road to heaven than the royal road of His Cross, and Jesus can help us as we carry our own cross. At times, the weight of our own crosses can push us down to the ground. But we know that, with Jesus’ help, we can put aside our fears, our impatience, and our complaints, and follow Jesus with joy for the salvation of many souls. May we all have a tremendous journey this Lenten Season. God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
