The Crucifixion of Our Lord
The Carrying of the Cross was a journey-the Crucifixion at Golgotha, its destination. In fact, the Crucifixion was the destination of Christ's entire life on earth. From His very Incarnation, this was the plan. We may have difficulty understanding why it had to be this way, but we must believe, since His way is always perfect, it was the perfect way. Looking at the Crucifixion forces us all to ask: "What is my own destination and how is each day I live bringing me closer to it?"
Our Lord ascended to Heaven so that we could follow Him there-this is the end for which we were created. Jesus said of His Apostles, "They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world." We must be in the world, not of the world. Set a course to Heaven and do not deviate from it. The only thing that can derail us is sin, a word our "enlightened" times has forgotten.
What was the meaning of Christ's cruel impalement to the Cross? It shows us we must let go of all the things we wish to possess which are unhealthy to our souls, which turn us away from our path to Heaven. Our Blessed Lord could not possibly have been more helpless upon the Holy Cross. He could not move and could hardly speak. He arms were outstretched to all the universe, imploring us to come to Him and yet unable to grasp at anything. We too, must open our hands when we are tempted to reach for, and take hold of sin. We must take Christ's example of yielding. In all things, He walks before us. From the Cross, Jesus shows us the very key to the Kingdom of Heaven.
But how are we to resist temptation? The sacraments of the Church Christ founded are the tools which have been given to us. He said, "I will not leave you orphans." The same body which was crucified, comes to us in Holy Communion-to help us stretch out our arms and let go. This Body could not give us life until it tasted death. We cannot receive that life until we taste the death of our sins. The more our own will shrinks, the more beautiful we become. The greater He becomes within us, the greater we become.
Our Lord never left His course toward the Holy Cross. We must never leave our course toward the Kingdom of Heaven. It will twist and turn and there will be traps to ensnare us. But if we continue to flee to the Holy Cross and the Victim upon it-we will one day hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Dear Jesus, whose death on the Cross has won my Redemption, show me in my moments of temptation, Thy holy arms unable to embrace and Thy sacred hands unable to grasp. Amen.