Amid a world in turmoil and pain, our personal lives are often affected either directly or indirectly. How are we to deal with the sufferings we bear? We might be tempted to fear suffering and to avoid it at all cost, but as Christians we are taught to unite ourselves to Christ. Today, in the Gospel, Jesus will say: “And I, when I am lifted up form the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Just like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies, it bears much fruit. When Jesus is lifted up on the cross for all to see, is He not glorified, revealing to us the great love that will open heaven for us sinners? Jesus is setting the stage for the upcoming Holy Week as He will offer himself for the salvation of the world. May our communion with the suffering Christ help us celebrate his Passion, Death and Resurrection, the very mystery at the core of our Christian faith.
✠ Marcel Damphousse
Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall
