Why do so many Catholics when looking upon a cross, remain impassive and indifferent to the sufferings of our Lord? It would be good for our souls to examine ourselves and see if we are guilty of the reason offered by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Thus forearmed with knowledge, we can correct ourselves, if necessary, and come to better utilize the graces Holy Mother Church offers us this holy season to grow in the love of our Lord and Redeemer.
Consider not so much the sorrows and insults……as the love with which He bore them………for me.
“During the holy week they are present at the celebration of his death, but without sentiments of tenderness or gratitude, and as if they commemorated an event which never happened, or which does not concern them. Perhaps they neither know nor believe what the Gospels relate of the Passion of Jesus Christ: I answer and say, that they know it and believe it, but they do not reflect on it. Ah! for those who believe and reflect on the Passion of the Redeemer, it is impossible not to burn with love for a God who suffers such torments, and dies for the love of them. “The charity of Christ presseth us.” – 2 Cor. 5:14
“The Apostle meant to say that, in thinking on the Passion of our Lord, we should consider not so much the sorrows and insults which he suffered as the love with which he bore them; for Jesus Christ wished to submit to such torments, not only to save us (since for our salvation a single petition offered by him to his Father would be sufficient), but also to make us understand the affection which he entertained for us, and thus gain our hearts. Ah! a soul that thinks of this love of Jesus Christ cannot but love him….
“O happy you, O loving souls, who frequently meditate on the Passion of Jesus. ‘You shall, says Isaias,draw waters with joy out of the Saviour’s fountains.'”
