Hello, happy Friday.
Have you ever wondered why a loving God and Father would allow His Son to undergo such a horrible and painful death as Jesus did?
In those days, putting someone to death in this way was in someway a deterrent to prevent others to commit any major crimes against the Empire. This was a very public event and usually it took place on or near a road that most people would travel in and out of the city. The form of execution was not just limited to Israel, but was a form of execution throughout the Empire. The only ones where spared such a death was citizens of the Empire. We see this example with Sts. Peter and Paul. Peter was not a citizen so he was crucified. Paul on the other hand, was, so his execution was to be beheaded.
But there was a reason that God allowed his Son to undergo such a painful death. And down through the ages, writers have tried to explain this is so many ways. But they all came up with the same conclusion, that was to show us how much He loves us.
St. Anthony of Padua, gives us this thought. “Nowhere other than looking at himself in the mirror of the Cross can a man better understand how much he is worth.”
So, this instrument of pain and death now become a “Valentine Card”, when opened it says, “I love you”, signed, God”
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Vinnie, osf and the
Bros and Srs of the
Franciscan House of Prayer.
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