WHAT A CHALLENGE
These piercing words are some of Christ’s last words directed to all mankind as he was crucified on the cross. They are an expression of his forgiveness of our sins as well as an invitation that we all have a place at his eternal banquet table. What a blessing this is for us sinners amidst Christ’s horrible suffering and death, which he endured for all mankind.
Each Lenten season, I enjoy participating with my wife in the Stations of the Cross practiced in the Roman Catholic Church. This prayerful worship experience vividly reminds me of the horrible cruelty, pain, agony, and betrayal suffered by Jesus in the hours leading up to his death. This worship experience also reminds me of how Christ expects me to lead my life by being obedient to him, by being humble in service to others, and by loving my neighbor. What a challenge
Today’s world is filled with hatred, poverty, racism, intolerance, prejudice, greed, and corruption. Christ’s life on this earth was to serve as an example of how he expects us to live out our days here. By our thoughts, words and deeds, we are to invite all people to be at our family table of grace. The challenge for us is to extend a hand to the rich and poor, the young and old, and the free and oppressed so that people of all races, creeds and cultures can experience Christ’s love, mercy and grace.
Let this Holy Week inspire us to broaden our minds and open our hearts so that all people can be welcomed to have a place at our Lord’s table.
Innocent suffering Lord, we pray that we are able to forgive others as you have forgiven us so that we can all enjoy a place at your eternal table. Amen.
