from the Companion Directors Team
“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
Following Jesus last week was quite a roller coaster ride. We began with his triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, followed by the drama of the Last Supper, the nightmare of Good Friday, the solemnity of Holy Saturday, and then the Lord’s Resurrection into glory. Each year we celebrate the Paschal Mystery and are reminded of the hope buried within this paradox: it is by dying that we are born to new life.
As we walk with Jesus through the Easter season, let’s reflect upon the new life that has sprung forth from boldly embracing the crosses implanted in our lives uniting our trials with the cross of Christ. Our hope as Christians is grounded in this very act.
Over a decade ago, I was going through a very difficult time, and it just happened to be Lent. Throughout Lent, our pastor emphasized the power of embracing our crosses, so I decided to give what he was suggesting a try. As much as I was tempted to stay in denial mode, I allowed what was happening to touch me deeply as I united my crisis with the cross of Jesus. The new life that burst forth from that act of faith continues today.
In St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, he explains that Jesus made room in his Passion for us to participate in his liberating act. This is our invitation to unite our sufferings with those of Christ – to drink the cup that Jesus drank. Our culture tries to convince us that trials are to be avoided. Human nature resists struggle as well. The paradox of the Cross goes against the grain, but it is the source of our hope as Christians. As we celebrate the Easter Season, let us lift our voices in gratitude for the joy, the hope, and the new life contained within this sacred mystery.
