According to the Gospel of Matthew, some strange things happened when Jesus died. Each event tells us something about Jesus. The darkness that covered the land (Matthew 27:45) and the earthquake (Matthew 27:51) show that all creation was aware something significant happened, a new age was dawning. The splitting of the sanctuary veil (Matthew 27:51), which is the barrier that separated the holiest part of the Temple (where God was thought to dwell) from the rest of the Temple area, symbolizes that now God would be directly accessible to the people. And what do the dead saints who came out of their tombs to walk the city symbolize? (Matthew 27:52) They are the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 37). The dried bones had come to life – God had triumphed over death!
In the cross, we find God’s immense love. It is a redemptive love, one that brings peace and the strength to accept what cannot be changed and to continue our struggle with suffering. There is always suffering in life. When this suffering is not accepted, it is even worse. In contrast, when we accept suffering , it is bearable, and we have the inner peace needed to continue living and working for a better life. Suffering achieves its highest meaning when it is accepted out of love. That Jesus is capable of suffering gives witness to God’s special love for those who suffer. Finding God’s love in the midst of suffering leads to generous sacrifices that are a source of life for those we love.
In Jesus’ Passion, the Gospel of Luke describes the openness of Gentiles to Jesus’ message of salvation. For example, Pilate finds Jesus innocent three times in Luke 23:4,14,22 and hands Him over to be crucified only at the insistence of the Jewish leaders (Luke 23:24). Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness, even during his greatest suffering. While carrying the cross, Jesus shows His concern for the women who are following Him (Luke 23: 28-31). As He is nailed to the cross, He forgives those responsible (Luke 23:34). And when one of the criminals asks for Jesus to remember him, Jesus goes beyond that to promise him a place in Paradise (Luke 23:43). Luke portrays Jesus’ glory and divinity. Luke surrounds Jesus with sympathetic people: a crowd including the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27), the good thief (Luke 23:40-41), and the centurion (Luke 23:47). Luke puts Jesus in control even at His death, handing His spirit over to God (Luke 23:46). Luke is making it clear in his portrayal of Jesus’ Passion that Jesus is the loving, forgiving savior of all humankind.
Jesus willingly suffered and died for us.
Jesus, anointed one, everyone endures some suffering in their life. Some suffer in silence. Some loudly complain, making it known to all. Some bitterly blame everyone around them. You suffered ridicule, betrayal, persecution, crucifixion, and death. Your burden was so great, yet You endured. Glorifying God, Your sacrifice gives us the hope of eternal life.
Strengthen me to withstand the suffering I must face in my life. When I feel that I have more than I can take, fortify me with the endurance of Job. Give me the patience to suffer injustices without lashing out at others. Fill me with mercy to forgive those who persecute me. Fill me with your loving presence to be a faithful witness to the glory of God and to the promise of eternal life. Amen.