About the yearly feast of #Medhanialem; the saviour of the world
This feast, which we celebrate today, is rooted deeply in the ethos of our faith, and beckons us to a profound reflection on the Crucifixion, a pivotal moment where divinity intersects with humanity in an act of unparalleled love and redemption.
The narrative of the Crucifixion, as we have inherited through sacred tradition and the Gospel of John, unfolds in the shadow of Gethsemane. It was there, amidst the olive groves, where the tranquility of the night was pierced by the approach of those who sought to capture Jesus of Nazareth. His response, imbued with divine authority, "I am he," caused them to stagger and fall—a testament to the power of His presence and the depth of His willingness to embrace His fate.
This encounter underlines a profound truth: the Crucifixion was not an event borne out of vulnerability or defeat but a conscious sacrifice, chosen by the one who commands the stars and treads upon the waters. In this divine paradox, we find the essence of our faith—the Almighty, bound; the Creator, subjected to His creation; the Giver of Life, embracing death.
As the events of that fateful day unfolded, our Lord, adorned not with regal gold but with a crown of thorns, reveals the heart of God's kingdom: one not of earthly power but of sacrificial love. Mocked and scorned, bearing a cross that symbolized not only His suffering but the weight of humanity's sin, He advanced towards Golgotha. With each step, the reality of His mission became clearer—to reconcile the world unto Himself, transforming an instrument of torture into the beacon of hope.
Upon the hill where Adam's sin cast a long shadow, the New Adam was lifted high. Nailed to the cross, His outstretched arms gathered the expanse of human frailty, offering it up to the Father in an act of ultimate intercession. It was here, at Calvary, that the fountain of mercy was opened, washing away the stains of sin and bridging the chasm wrought by our transgressions.
The cruelty of His tormentors, the indifference of the onlookers, and the tears of the faithful formed the backdrop to this cosmic drama. Yet, beyond the physical torment—a number so vast it numbs the mind—was the spiritual anguish of the Son, forsaken, that the world might be redeemed.
This yearly feast of Medhanialem is not merely a historical remembrance but a living participation in the mystery of the Cross. It invites us to enter into the paradox of Christian life: that in dying we find life, in surrender, victory, and in suffering, joy. As we reflect on the Crucifixion, let us also look beyond, to the Resurrection, where the fullness of God's promise is realized, and the hope of glory shines undimmed.
May the remembrance of Jesus Christ's suffering, His cross, death, and resurrection, not only recall the depths from which we have been lifted but inspire us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received. In this holy contemplation, let us draw near to the heart of God, finding in His wounds our healing, in His death our life, and in His love the strength to carry our crosses with faith, hope, and love. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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