“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
The high holy days of the Christian calendar are upon us. The path to Jerusalem, Calvary, and the Cross stretches out before our eyes. If we follow our Lord down this road, our souls will be seized by wonder, and our hearts will be pierced by love.
The altar in the chapel of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Motherhouse in Nkokonjeru, Uganda, one of the locations of CARITAS For Children's Catholic child sponsorship programs.
Indeed, the drama of Holy Week should cause us to stop and reflect. More than 700 years before our Lord’s passion, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a Suffering Servant who would “startle many nations” and leave kings speechless (53:15). Suffice it to say, Jesus lived up to that prophecy.
The great mercy that Christ displayed during the Crucifixion was incredible, inconceivable, and awe-inspiring. His ability to forgive should startle us even more than His violent death. How did Jesus pardon the people who drove nails through His hands and feet? How could He be so gracious toward all those who had mocked Him? How could he excuse their grievous denial of Him?
I don’t know. I really don’t.
It can be hard enough to forgive the honest mistakes of others, much less intentional offenses. I think most people – especially me – would rather stay angry, spread the blame, seek revenge, and try to get even.
But, Jesus was different. He didn’t fight anything other than the temptation to fight. He excused His persecutors and begged His Father to do the same.
That’s some astounding forgiveness, some startling grace! As we reflect upon our Lord’s passion during this Holy Week, what else can we do but marvel with amazement at the Man upon the Cross? As we gaze upon our mutilated yet magnanimous Savior, how can we be filled with anything less than wonder and awe?
And perhaps that’s all that we can do. Maybe during this Holy Week, we are only called to bow before the Lord in reverent silence, admiring the glory of His grace and the wonder of His love. If we simply allow the mystery of His mercy to wash over us once more, then maybe, with the help of His grace, we’ll become a bit more merciful ourselves.
Merciful Father, your Son commanded us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. Give us the grace we need to imitate His example of mercy. Amen.
