‘Kiss the crucifix,’ advises Pope, as he reflects on Christ’s humiliation
April 16, 2014
Pope Francis devoted his Wednesday general audience to Christ’s humiliation, beginning with his betrayal by Judas for 30 pieces of silver.
In the Passion of Christ, we see “the divine response to the mystery of evil, of pain, of death,” said Pope Francis. “Many times we feel horror at the evil and pain around us and we wonder, ‘Why does God permit it?’”
“Jesus takes all this evil, all this suffering upon himself,” the Pope continued. “This week it will be good for all of us to look at the crucifix, kissing the wounds of Jesus.”
The Pope added that we expect God in his omnipotence to bring about a “divine triumphant victory.” Instead, the Son of God is crucified. “Even if I was the only person in the world, he would have done it. He did it for me. Kiss the crucifix and say: for me, thank you, Jesus, for me.”
“When all seems lost,” Pope Francis continued, “it is then that God intervenes with the power of the Resurrection. The Resurrection of Jesus is not the happy ending of a beautiful fairy tale, it is not the happy end of a film; but it is the intervention of God the Father.”
In our own moments of “total humiliation,” we should express confident hope in God. “This week we will do well to take the crucifix in hand and kiss it” repeatedly, the Pope concluded.
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Further information:
- L’Udienza Generale (Holy See Press Office)
- Jesus' Pain on the Cross Reflects the Pain of Humanity (VIS)
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Posted by: Thomas429 -
Apr. 17, 2014 2:04 AM ET USA
Humiliation? The Romans, Pharisees, and Sadducees may have all believed that Christ was humiliated. I do not believe that Christ believed himself to be humiliated. Humiliation is the usual result of failure to seek and do what God wills, or humility. Christ was humbly doing the will of God. Atoning for the sin of Adam and all of our sins. He was tortured, in great pain, felt abandoned, wished as a man that it did not have to be, "Abba, let this cup pass from me" your will not my will be done.
