Love Conquers All

May the passion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, live always in our hearts. This traditional prayer beckons us to never forget the passion and suffering of Jesus, who gave His life for each of us that we might enjoy eternal life. The fight was fought and won for us, and we have much for which to be joyful. However, the passion of Christ should always hold a prominent place in our hearts, guide our motivations, and inspire our actions.

Jesus suffered in silence and humility for love of us. When we ponder the passion of Christ, we see great physical suffering not only endured by Jesus, but the great humiliation of having his own dear mother, friends and followers watch. What anguish His poor, Blessed Mother endured. Of course, we all want it to go away; we invoke the power of God upon His tormentors. But Jesus would have none of that. He was not a quitter, no matter the depth of suffering.

Good Friday makes us face it all and requires of us a stomach that is not of the faint hearted. Good Friday requires commitment and great strength. The message of Jesus is clear—turn the other cheek in the face of any vengeful, angry thoughts we have toward others. Saint Paul of the Cross wrote: "When you feel the assaults of passion and anger, then is the time to be silent as Jesus was silent in the midst of His ignominies and sufferings."

The strength required to temper our anger is rooted in love. Jesus' ultimate gift to us on Good Friday is love; we must not take this gift lightly. All of us know that when we give up the opportunity to get back at someone in a vindictive way, we have embraced the Lord's way. Love conquers all. That is His Good Friday message.












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