Reading:
Matthew 27:54
Write:
The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”
Reflect:
Who is this “Jesus”? The soldiers at this crucifixion scene called him the Son of God. They were pagans! What kind of understanding what they have had to say that Jesus is the Son of God? It is up to us as his followers to define what this means. A great definition of this was given to us by Saint Fulgentius:
He is at once priest and sacrifice, God and temple. He is the priest through whom we have been reconciled, the sacrifice by which we have been reconciled, the temple in which we have been reconciled, the God with whom we have been reconciled. He alone is priest, sacrifice and temple because he is all these things as God in the form of a servant; but he is not alone as God, for he is this with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of God.
I don’t think I can envision a better paragraph to spend meditating on throughout this holy week. This paragraph is powerful stuff! Let me reread it, but much slower.
He is at once priest and sacrifice, God and temple.
He is the priest through whom we have been reconciled,
the sacrifice by which we have been reconciled,
the temple in which we have been reconciled,
the God with whom we have been reconciled.
He alone is priest, sacrifice and temple because he is all these things as God in the form of a servant;
but he is not alone as God, for he is this with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of God.
Apply:
Spend time with these words, especially since we have more time to reflect. This is who Jesus is for us. I don’t know that I can say it any better.
Pray/Praise:
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, words seem inadequate to describe the gratitude and love we have for what you have done. There is nothing that we can say or do that can increase the greatness of who you are because of what you have said and done.
Help us during this Holy Week to reflect on your Passion. Especially in these days, this year, when we find ourselves unable to gather to rejoice in your gifts, teach us how to give you thanks in a way that will please you and give us some satisfaction as we trust that we are serving you as best that we can.
We ask your protection on those who are caring for the ill, and for those who are ill. We ask your protection on those who are at risk. In this time, we need your special intervention. You sacrificed much, no, you sacrificed all that we might live for you. Help us to live in this day for your glory. Help us to praise you for your Passion.
Help us to be a Eucharistic people, a thankful people, even as we are separated and unable to share the Eucharistic Sacrament. Make this Holy Week, and this Easter season, a true blessing for us all. Amen.
Matthew 27:54
Write:
The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”
Reflect:
Who is this “Jesus”? The soldiers at this crucifixion scene called him the Son of God. They were pagans! What kind of understanding what they have had to say that Jesus is the Son of God? It is up to us as his followers to define what this means. A great definition of this was given to us by Saint Fulgentius:
He is at once priest and sacrifice, God and temple. He is the priest through whom we have been reconciled, the sacrifice by which we have been reconciled, the temple in which we have been reconciled, the God with whom we have been reconciled. He alone is priest, sacrifice and temple because he is all these things as God in the form of a servant; but he is not alone as God, for he is this with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of God.
I don’t think I can envision a better paragraph to spend meditating on throughout this holy week. This paragraph is powerful stuff! Let me reread it, but much slower.
He is at once priest and sacrifice, God and temple.
He is the priest through whom we have been reconciled,
the sacrifice by which we have been reconciled,
the temple in which we have been reconciled,
the God with whom we have been reconciled.
He alone is priest, sacrifice and temple because he is all these things as God in the form of a servant;
but he is not alone as God, for he is this with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of God.
Apply:
Spend time with these words, especially since we have more time to reflect. This is who Jesus is for us. I don’t know that I can say it any better.
Pray/Praise:
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, words seem inadequate to describe the gratitude and love we have for what you have done. There is nothing that we can say or do that can increase the greatness of who you are because of what you have said and done.
Help us during this Holy Week to reflect on your Passion. Especially in these days, this year, when we find ourselves unable to gather to rejoice in your gifts, teach us how to give you thanks in a way that will please you and give us some satisfaction as we trust that we are serving you as best that we can.
We ask your protection on those who are caring for the ill, and for those who are ill. We ask your protection on those who are at risk. In this time, we need your special intervention. You sacrificed much, no, you sacrificed all that we might live for you. Help us to live in this day for your glory. Help us to praise you for your Passion.
Help us to be a Eucharistic people, a thankful people, even as we are separated and unable to share the Eucharistic Sacrament. Make this Holy Week, and this Easter season, a true blessing for us all. Amen.
