Of the seven expressions Christ spoke while dying on the Cross, his cry “Eli, Eli, lema, sabachthani” (Mk 27:46) which means “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” grip us to the bone. Love to the end is poured out by the Son of God, redeeming all of humanity from sin. Fulfilling God’s divine plan with perfect obedience, Christ weeps the pain of feeling separated from God. Our Savior hears the brokenness of Mary his Mother and the apostle John at the foot of the Cross. All others have abandoned Him. Despite the darkness, it is the hour when Christ gloriously accomplishes all that He promised. The suffering Lamb of God unites with all of humanity, experiencing Himself the sorrow of rejection and abandonment with complete acceptance. Receiving his Father’s momentary silence, he commends his Spirit and breathes his last (Mk 15:37). Christ does…
Imagine a world searching for a different kind of horizon. One that has nothing to do with politics, wealth or status – only Christ. A world only searching for God. Wanting to know above all, the day of Christ’s return. God’s grace would surely overflow, filling the ends of the earth. Turning to the Old Testament, we have numerous prophetic events that prefigured Christ’s entry into the world. Unfortunately, the world did not heed their prophetic significance. Instead, they rejected the one whom God sent – Christ. In the New Testament, Christ reveals the meaning of Old Testament prophecy. And, the only begotten Son of God fulfills all that was foretold with exacting precision. Jesus reveals Himself as the key to understanding the Old Testament. Three Significant Old Testament Events Foretelling the Coming of Christ Foretelling 1: The Bronze Serpent Moses “Lifted Up” to Heal…
The Apostle Peter is no stranger to suffering and tests of faith that come with the Christian life. Only the Apostle Peter knows how it feels to deny Christ under pressure. Filled with overwhelming regret, the remorse at refusing his discipleship three times buckles him. Yet it is in these moments of sorrow that Peter gives us a beautiful prayer asking for God’s intervention. In a cry for Christ he pleads “Save Me Lord.” Just days before, Peter proclaims Christ as the Son of the Living God with conviction. Recognizing that his Father in heaven had revealed this truth by grace, Christ gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. A few hours later, Peter denies that he even knows Christ. How he wished he could have relived that test of faith all over again. But as God’s grace strengthens him, Peter becomes…
The Fiery Letters of St. John St. John is well known as the “Disciple whom Jesus loves.” Despite his many beloved qualities, Christ gives the son of Zebedee a unique nickname – calling him the “Son of Thunder” (Mk. 3). He knew that coupled with St. John’s loving nature was a fiery temperament. The Letters of John reveal why this name is so fitting. They were written at a time when the Church was experiencing a great crisis in faith led by outside attack against the Gospel. John’s Letters are like exploding cannon balls. Their words strengthen the faith of the Christian community to trust God and not to fall for the devilish traps set by the deceivers. One thing was clear. The assault on the Church would not go unanswered. Not on a Son of Thunder’s watch. John’s Letters Concisely Deal with Those Attacking…
After much thought, Solomon decided to visit his friend Job. If anyone could rejuvenate hope in the Creator, it would be him. Solomon pondered how this good man could endure such terrible suffering and still emerge with a heart for God. Feeling hopeful, Solomon set off for Uz. Arriving at Job’s home, Solomon appreciated the warm welcome and comforting surroundings. Job’s eyes twinkled contentment. Could this be the same man?” Solomon found it hard to believe that not long ago, Job was covered in terrible sores and stricken in grief after losing all ten children. But now, he simply beams peace? He wanted the tranquility Job was effortlessly releasing into the air like cascading bubbles. Sipping hot tea by a colorful fireside, the two old men began to converse about God. Solomon: “God is here listening – you know this right? Job: Isn’t He always? So tell me…
