And they led him off to crucify him. Matthew 27:31The reaction of others to the imminent death of Jesus was highly complicated by the fact that he wasn't just dying – he was being killed. An execution isn't the same as expiring from illness or old age or an accident. As traumatic as the loss of a loved one is under any circumstance, watching one murdered in a highly public spectacle is many times more paralyzing. The particulars of crucifixion made it that much worse. It was by design a humiliating end, intended for slaves and social villains. It was meant to shame, involving exposure of the body along an open road, so that all who passed by could view the infamy and hurl an insult or two. Death by crucifixion set an example for moral, upstanding folk. You might take the kids to Golgotha to learn a lesson. "See? This is what happens when you live a bad life."
No one could have guessed that crucifixion was about to be translated into a sign of ultimate goodness and gory. Christian parents would hereafter bring their children before the cross and say: "See? This is what God was willing to do for love of us."
~from The Rosary: Mysteries of Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory by Alice Camille
No one could have guessed that crucifixion was about to be translated into a sign of ultimate goodness and gory. Christian parents would hereafter bring their children before the cross and say: "See? This is what God was willing to do for love of us."
~from The Rosary: Mysteries of Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory by Alice Camille
Dear Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, You were no slave or social villain. Before all ages and forevermore, You are the King of Love and Mercy! We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. Amen.
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