👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽A Sacred #Contemplation on the #Crucifixion of Our #Lord and Savior #Jesus #Christ – #March #27 A.D.
Dear beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, who walk in the footsteps of the Apostles and cleave to the divine traditions transmitted through the holy fathers. Let us ascend now, not with feet but with spirit, to the mount of Calvary, and there let us behold the mystery that surpasses all thought, the Passion of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as a spotless Lamb for the life of the world.
It was on the 27th of March, in the 33rd year of our Lord, that He, having taken flesh from the pure and Holy Virgin Mary, ascended voluntarily to the Cross. This day, marked by pain and power, by suffering and salvation, is henceforth enshrined in the heart of the Church as the Day of the Cross—a day not of mere remembrance, but of divine revelation.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Triumph of Love
On this day were fulfilled all the utterances of the prophets, all the shadows of the Law, and all the symbols embedded in the ancient rites. The suffering of Christ was not a tragic misfortune but a divine orchestration. From Gethsemane to Golgotha, every tear, every drop of blood, every thorn and nail was foretold by the prophets and embraced willingly by the Son of God.
He who accepted offerings of bulls and goats for generations now offered Himself, the true and eternal sacrifice. He who was without sin bore our sin. The heavenly God, enthroned in light unapproachable, descended into the darkest hour of human history—out of love.
The Abolishment of Death by Death
And behold the paradox: by death, He destroyed death. The Word who called Lazarus from the tomb allowed Himself to be swallowed by the grave. The Giver of life tasted death, not as one defeated, but as one triumphant. He tore the veil of separation between man and God. He unlocked the gates of Sheol and led captivity captive.
In this divine act, the love of God was laid bare before the world love that did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all. His blood, more precious than gold or silver, became the ransom for all the children of Adam.
The Voluntary Passion of the Divine King
Let us not be deceived into thinking this death was forced upon Him. The Gospel of John bears witness: when the mob came to arrest Him and He declared, “I am He,” they fell backward to the ground (John 18:1–6). Such is the power of His mere words. Who then can doubt that His suffering was undertaken willingly?
The Judge of all the earth stood to be judged. The Lord of Hosts was dragged like a thief. He who holds the stars in His hand was nailed to wood. He who watered the lilies of the field and filled the oceans cried out in thirst.
The Cruelty of Man, the Patience of God
They crowned Him—not with gold, but with thorns. A parody of kingship, yet a coronation of divine humility. They mocked Him, spat on Him, struck Him—and He bore it silently. The nails—oh, those dreadful nails—pierced not only His hands and feet, but the very heavens trembled as His holy heart was pierced.
They named the nails:
Sador for His right hand,
Alador for His left,
Danat for both feet,
Rodas for His chest,
And the spear that struck His heart in the center of Calvary.
And where did they crucify Him? On the hill called Calvarium, where Adam's skull lay buried o that just as death entered through Adam, life might be restored through Christ.
The Anguish of the Passion
From Gethsemane to Annas’ house, He was dragged like a lamb among wolves. From there to Pilate, and from Pilate to scourging, and from scourging to crucifixion, our Lord endured unspeakable torments. They bound Him with ropes, they trampled Him underfoot, they spit on Him and struck Him with sticks, stones, and hands.
Continues 👇🏽