As we enter into Holy Week Luke’s Passion of the Lord provides us with the model of Christian discipleship: being a humble servant, obedience to God’s
will, and extending mercy and forgiveness.
There’s quite a bit to absorb in
the Passion story and it would be good idea to read this on your own and
reflect on it throughout Holy Week. As
I reflected on the Passion, Jesus’ acts of mercy really stood out to me. Jesus was ministering to others, as he was
being persecuted and crucified. I suspect
that the Jubilee Year of Mercy really helped me to focus on this aspect of
Jesus’ Passion.
There are three acts of mercy that
I’d like to point out. Jesus healed the
servant’s ear that was cut by Peter’s sword.
Jesus also forgave his executioners stating, “Father, forgive them for
they know not what they do”. He was
extending mercy to those who were persecuting him.
The repentant criminal asked Jesus
to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus responded, “Amen, I say
to you, today you will be with me in Paradise”. In this final act of Jesus extended his mercy to a man who
admitted he was justly condemned. What a
beautiful example of why Jesus obediently followed the Father’s will in dying
for us. He did it to take on our sins and
extend mercy on us so we can be reconciled with the Father. Jesus didn’t come to condemn and judge us. He
came to extend his mercy and welcome us into Paradise. We just need to ask to
receive his mercy.
As we enter into Holy Week let’s
act in ways to be instruments of God’s mercy.
There are many people who stay away from the Church because they feel
like they’re being judged. If you know someone who’s been away from the Church
invite them back to receive the sacrament of reconciliation or to attend Holy
week services. Holy Thursday’s foot
washing is a beautiful witness of Jesus humble service extending his love and
mercy. Also pray for those who’ve felt
judged or we may have judged ourselves.
Let’s ask for the grace to be merciful to others as we continue on to
receive the Eucharist.
