Christ is dead!

The previous Sunday, all the branches were waving and the people were shouting with loud voices, "It is He, it is He, Hossana in heaven", because the long awaited one had arrived, the miracle worker, the one who revives the dead, heals the sick; everyone wanted his miracle from the one who can do everything. But today, the same people shouted "Release Barabbas".

Today also two of his disciples, after three years of walking with Christ, fell into his passions. Judas betrayed him because of his greed, Peter almost killed a Roman with a sword because of injustice and denied him three times for fear of being arrested.

Many would think that they should be the strongest, the ones who should not have fallen, but they confirmed the reason why Christ had to suffer and die for us.

Our passions and emotions are so strong that they can control our will. anger that ends in revenge, hatred that ends in resentment, fear that ends in depression, sadness that ends in despair, desire that ends in lust. Christ died so that ".... whoever believes in Him shall NOT PERISH, but have eternal life".

Christ died so that we would not get lost in our passions and emotions, because they bring ruin and pain to our lives. But sometimes they are so strong that we prefer to overlook the teachings of Jesus and we are part of the people shouting "Free Barabbas", I want to free my emotions I don't want to carry my cross.

Christ has died, everything has been consummated. The trail of the blood of the lamb is on the ground and leaves the clear and perfect imprint of what Christ came to do:

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" S. Matthew 16:24-25.

Judas had walked with Jesus, he realized what he had done, but he felt a very heavy cross and preferred to end his life. Peter on the other hand, denied Jesus, realized his mistake but decided to carry his cross and follow Jesus, it is the way to win the battle to our emotions and passions.

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me" S. John 14:6.

Thank you Lord, thank you God for sending your son, thank you Jesus for doing what you did today, shedding every last drop of blood so that we may follow his trail that leads us to the cross. The cross frees us, the cross redeems us, the cross gives us peace, the cross gives us such joy that nothing in this world will take it away.

We will pray Lord that your work that began on the cross may do its work in our hearts and live all that you have prepared for us; and when the time on earth is over, to be in your presence and live together with you for all eternity. Amen.

God bless you, God bless us

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)