Now since it was preparation day, in order that the
bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of
that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and
they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and
then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus
and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier
thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An
eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is
speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe. For this happened
so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: "Not a bone of it will
be broken." And again another passage says: "They will look upon him
whom they have pierced." (John 19: 31-37)
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, only joy and
consolation of my heart, banish from my soul whatever could cause you any
sorrow.
Petition: Lord give me faith so that I can offer myself
as the seed that dies.
1. Total Giving Christ died before those crucified with
him. Although all three might have suffered the same physical punishment,
Christ’s moral pain must have been infinitely more torturous. This leads some
to believe that Christ died of a broken heart; which might explain why although
blood is known to immediately coagulate in a corpse, John testifies that upon
piercing his side, blood and water immediately flowed out. Regardless whether
this might be scientific or a pious thought, we can reflect on the fact that
Christ withheld nothing in his sacrifice for our salvation.
2. The Seed That Dies When the soldier pierced Jesus’
side, the spear must have left a gaping wound. The intent obviously was to
insure the death of Christ’s body. The result however was the flowing out of
the water and blood.
The Church has always seen the blood and water as
symbols of the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, which would in turn give
life to Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church. How many times this would be
repeated in history: intended deathblows to the Church would only bring new
life and vigor!
3. Love and Suffering Christ has promised both
suffering and consolation to those devoted to his Sacred Heart. The
two—suffering and consolation—can be reconciled only in the heart of one who
believes. Like John’s, this heart will give testimony to Christ and be the seed
of belief for others. The suffering can sometimes call for heroism, but God
will not break us. Like Christ we will remain whole and unbroken and give
witness to God’s providential care for us and to his acceptance of our
sacrifice.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I know you have an
extremely sensitive heart and that all my offenses have cost you dearly. Help
me to remember your generosity when my sensitivity has been hurt.
Resolution: Forgive from the heart someone who has
injured me, even as Christ has forgiven me.
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