The Mystery of the Cross: First Jesus carried the Cross Then Cross carried Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Good Friday*

*Gospel : John 18: 1-19: 42*

*First Reading : Is 52:13-53:12*

*Second Reading : Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9*

*The Mystery of the Cross: First Jesus carried the Cross Then Cross carried Jesus*

*1) Jesus carrying the Cross*

Today's whole focus is on Jesus and the Cross, which he carried to the Calvary 

Jesus had spoken about the Cross much earlier, during His public ministry 

Now once, he was betrayed by Judas, Jesus was condemned to the death on the Cross

So Jesus was given a heavy Cross to be carried to the place of crucifixion

*2) Jesus carrying the Cross*

According to the Gospel, once Jesus was condemned to the death on the Cross, a heavy Cross was given to Jesus 

Jesus receives the Cross with an open arm, and he takes it, in His shoulder 

We see Jesus carrying the heavy Cross, on his shoulder and moving towards the calvary. 

Typically Jesus carried the Cross on his shoulder to Calvary

*3) Calvary the Turning point*

So far Jesus carried the Cross, till Calvary. Once he reached to the Calvary, preparations were made to crucify Him 

Once He was crucified, the Heavy Cross carried Jesus for few hours 

When Jesus was on the Cross, the Cross carried Jesus 

*4) Carrying is Cross is rather easy*

Here the Cross was kept on the Shoulder to carry to a particular place 

If Jesus was not physically beaten, then carrying of the Cross would not have been too difficult 

Since he was scourged, he was badly wounded. That's why carrying of the Cross becomes very difficult 

*5) Cross carrying is Terrible*

To this process, Jesus had to undergo terrible process of crucifixion 

Jesus had to die on the Cross 

Jesus had to be nailed to the Cross 

Jesus had to give his hands and leggs to the nail for crucifixion 

Such a process involves terrible pain and sacrifice of ones life 

That's why Cross carrying Jesus becomes a terrible painful event in Jesus' Life. 

*6) Both are necessary*

Carrying Cross by Jesus and, Cross carrying Jesus, both are very necessary

One is incomplete without the another 

One has no meaning without the another

If so, am I ready to accept the mystery of the Cross?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*