In the year 1224 St. Francis of Assisi went to Mount Alverno to fast and pray for forty days in preparation for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He asked Brother Leo to choose scripture texts for his meditation. Leo selected passages from the Passion narratives. During his retreat, Francis, during a dream, heard an angel play a violin as it is heard before God. Its one note was so beautiful that Francis felt he was already in heaven
At midnight on the eve of the feast, Francis prayed for two favors. “I want to feel the pain of Christ in his passion. I ask for the love that moved Jesus to die for our salvation.” A vision of fire came from heaven. In its midst was the crucified Christ. The image touched Francis and imprinted Christ’s five wounds on him. In his heart he felt pure, divine love.
As we begin Holy Week St. Francis reminds us to do more than look at the Cross. We see the external cause of pain. We need to look for the interior love that accepted the pain and gave it meaning .We must welcome the cross Jesus offers us and the love that gives it meaning.
Christ’s cross stands between the Hosannas of Palm Sunday and Alleluias of Easter and in front of the curses of the mob on Good Friday. The contradictions and paradoxes are all part of the picture.
They will be part of our life story too. Jesus has been there.
In the Los Angeles Cathedral the crucifix behind the altar is the mecca for the Hispanic worshipers so many of whom have kissed Christ’s feet after Mass that the surface is wearing away. It is a tribute to Christ’s greatest act of love.
Prayer
Crucified Lord, when I survey your wondrous Cross, all that I have gained materially in life is nothing in comparison to your sacrificial love. Lead me to respond with all my heart.
Reflect
How do you keep loving God and people when it is hard? Who are some people you know who carry their crosses with prayer and dignity? What does Palm Sunday say to you?
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