In the crucifixion of Jesus we contemplate the great mystery of the Lord’s suffering and death. Sr. Denise Coghlan of JRS Cambodia reflects on her desire to accompany refugees in their own suffering.
Reflection
Sadly, suffering is a very strong part of the refugee experience. Years ago when asked why I wanted to join JRS I found myself spontaneously echoing the words of Karl Rahner: Whenever suffering is present in the world there the cross of Christ is mysteriously present and I want to be there.
Fr. Mateo Aguirre, who has worked with JRS in Africa for many years, seemed to have the same feeling when he wrote: The call of those who suffer is the driving force behind our presence here in the Grands Lacs region. We are children of the same Father; they are my brothers and sisters. They are also victims of the greed and manipulation of those who struggle to gain power.
Commitment is tiring and stressful. We must live it in the light of this mystery because, from a human perspective, it makes little sense. What gives me strength is love beyond death.
Adapted from God in Exile, 2005, by Fr. Gary Smith, S.J.
Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Shared Reflections
As I come to the cross of Jesus this Easter, I am struck at how his broken heart calls me to reach out to care for the broken-hearted people of our world.
Washington, DC
"We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free." Galations 6:14
Happy Triduum!
Ruth McShane
Milwaukee, WI, USA
Dear Jesus,
Help me to see beyond the trappings of my comfort, security and pride to your meek and humble voice calling in desparation and pain for the cup of water to quence your thirst for my love. Help me to bring that cup of love you desire to those around me and those far from me through the hands and hearts of others in your service. Amen.
Saugus, CA, USA
Sometimes it's hard to understand how we can see Jesus in the suffering poor, the refugees, those in agonizing pain. Could Jesus ever be in such a fix? And why on earth would he be?
Christmas is such a lovely feast — and most of us have happy thoughts and happy memories around it. But when you read in Philippians about how Jesus became one of us, and really think about it, it's kind of astounding. Jesus not only took on our humanity and lived a human life, he left a state of bliss to share in our lot. And we are asked to share in that emptying, to "have the same mind as Christ Jesus." Can you imagine?? What would life be like if we did? What would the world be like?
