A Lenten Reflection: The Path of Sacrifice and the Call for Justice
In this moment of contemplation, I envision a scene in Jerusalem. I trace the narrow, stony road ascending the verdant hill of Golgotha. My gaze fixes on the ground, where I see drops of blood staining the sharp rocks. After witnessing this haunting sight, I turn to the surroundings. Here, I hear the clamor of people emanating from the distant horizon. I pause to investigate what is happening.
The Suffering of the Redeemer
After a few moments pass, I behold a heart-wrenching scene. I see a pitiful man bearing a heavy cross. His body is soaked in blood and sweat. He staggers under extreme exhaustion and drags himself in profound weariness beneath the scorching heat of the Lenten sun. His lips, parched with intense thirst, twist in pain from wounds and bruises covering his frame. He struggles with immense weakness and can barely walk, stumbling occasionally. The heavy cross he carries crashes against his weakened body, creating new injuries and adding to his unbearable frailty. Instead of receiving mercy and assistance, he is pulled, forced to stand, and pierced with a spear to compel him forward.
The Crucifixion and Its Message
After more time elapses, the man reaches the summit of Calvary. Soldiers strip him and nail him to the cross he bore, amid the shouts of people mocking him. As he gasps in death, he asks for water but is given vinegar mixed with gall. Who is this man? He is Christ, our redeemer. He is the king of kings who shed his blood and gave his life to free us from the sins we have committed. He is the fountain of endless love and the standard of righteousness and integrity.
A Call for Reflection and Action
In the sufferings he endured for us, some of our fellow humans continue to flaunt the pride of their achieved wealth and arrogance, fueling conflicts and rivalries. Many of us trample on justice and exploit held power for personal satisfaction. Now is the time for reflection. It is the time for repentance and remorse for our sins. Let us return to God. Let us cease abusing power. You, entrusted with the law, do not use your weapons in harmful ways, such as shooting those suspected of drug involvement who show no resistance, only to be killed outright. Meanwhile, those with capability persist in clinging to the winds of self-interest or freedom.
Oh, let us embrace the teachings left by Christ. Let us fulfill all his commandments, for this is the path to achieving our dreams of attaining peace and order.
