|
Today's first reading and Gospel quote of the Old Testament are saying that the Messiah should suffer. We find the clearest picture of the suffering Messiah in Isaiah. He is the mysterious "Servant of God". And these poems are applied to Jesus in the synoptic Gospels. For example "You are my Son, the beloved" (Mk 1:11) can be compared with "You are my servant, in whom I am glorified" (Is. 49:3). Notice that the Greek word PAIS, like the English word boy, can mean son or waiter, according to the context.
But why do the innocent have to suffer? When you cannot justify your suffering, do not ask "why?" Look at Jesus struggling in the garden, abandoned on the cross, and wait till the storm is over.
But where in the Old Testament is it said that the Messiah will rise from the dead? From the texts quoted by the Apostles, Resurrection comes as a logical conclusion: A loving God cannot tolerate innocent suffering as an end in itself
therefore the only way out of the "scandal" and "nonsense" of the Cross is Resurrection, both for the Son and for the sons and daughters of God.
When your suffering becomes unbearable, repeat with Jesus: Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
That children in difficulty and those who devote themselves to their care, may find in Mary, Mother of life, constant support and help.
Elaboration
|
|
