The cry of Christ from the cross is not a cry of despair – like the cry of Cain and Judas – but a cry of faithful hope, a prayer for God’s mercy: “Rescue my soul from the sword”; “Save me from the lion’s mouth” (Ps 22:20-21). We believe that the cross, our cross is the cross of salvation, of hope, of the coming resurrection.
Unless we admit our refusals, repent of our sins, and have the same attitude as Christ, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7), we choose to lurk in the dark rather than walk with the Lord Jesus into his light.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the fifth and concluding article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that during Lent, we journey towards Holy Week, reflecting on the passion and death of Christ. Through his suffering, Jesus reveals his infinite love, shows us the gravity of sin, merits grace for us, and provides an example to follow. As disciples, we embrace our own crosses, imitating Christ’s love and compassion for others.
A kingdom has some features. Most significantly, it has a king, some subjects, a territory, and laws and regulations to govern. In the case of the kingdom of God, we know clearly that Christ is the king. His territory is the whole universe and is not limited to the divisions on the face of the earth drawn by people. What we need to do to belong to his kingdom is to live by the laws of his kingdom, which most predominantly is love. He enlists into his kingdom those who are willing to DIE FOR LOVE.
During Holy Week, we too, far from being holy, want to stand at the foot of the Cross with the un-haloed centurion and fix our eyes on Jesus. We too, like him, desire to discover God’s presence and mercy in the darkest corners of our hearts and of our world. And by doing so, step-by-step, as Mark taught us and as the catechumens have done in their journey toward baptism, we will enter Christ’s Resurrection.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the fourth article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that the journey of Lent calls us to embrace self-denial, detachment, and the carrying of our crosses daily. Through fasting, asceticism, and simplicity, we seek spiritual growth and closeness to God. By following Christ’s example, we find true happiness and fulfilment in love and service to others.
Caecilius Cyprianus Thascius was the second African theologian after Tertullian and greatly influenced by the latter. Cyprian was the first African bishop to suffer martyrdom (258 AD).
The Shompen tribe in the Nicobar Islands is threatened with extinction by an Indian government project to develop “India’s Hong Kong” on Great Nicobar Island. Bishop Selvaraj of Port Blair voices concerns over the project’s impact on the tribe and the environment, but efforts to appeal to New Delhi have been in vain.
Crucifixion was a punishment given to them by the governor. In contrast, that voluntary decision made by Jesus to undertake the suffering is what made it salvific. For suffering to become salvific, it must be voluntary and for love!
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the third article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that in a world where sin is often denied and God forgotten, Lent calls us to confront the darkness within ourselves. Sin disrupts our relationship with God and others, leading to disharmony and unhappiness. As we journey through Lent, let us turn away from sin and embrace love.