Amen!
That word has been used as the whole sermon following the Passion reading on Palm Sunday, what else can or needs to be said? This year, however, Joe took us through Jesus’ experience from a medical perspective. I sat and listened how Jesus was pushed to a point of extreme stress to literally sweat blood, suffer blood loss and pain through scourging, walking long distances while being insulted, ending with the numerous debilitating steps of crucifixion. If you didn’t hear it, listen to it today, it’s beyond humbling: https://youtu.be/slpfC5TbZZ4 (31:30)
This year Brandon Brune reprised his role as Jesus during the Passion reading, and it’s his voice I hear when Jesus says “Father, into you hands I commend my spirit.” Here Jesus is at the point of death, having just saved another soul in the form of a repenting criminal, and he is still teaching us! How many times would we have found peace if we had prayed and acted on these words?
What words can we say to show gratitude for his paying in full the price of our redemption? I don’t have an answer, but I hope I keep trying.
– Andrew, EFM, Year Three
Andrew, perfect reflection for this day.
Thanks!