Take the cross in the hands and meditate on the wounds of Jesus.
(c)Mateo Ivankovic 2017 J.M.J. April 12, 2017 Wednesday of Holy Week Dear Family of Mary! March 25, 1997 “Dear children! Today, in a special way, I invite you to take the cross in the hands and to meditate on the wounds of Jesus. Ask of Jesus to heal your wounds, which you, dear children, during your life sustained because of your sins or the sins of your parents. Only in this way, dear children, you will understand that the world is in need of healing of faith in God the Creator. By Jesus’ passion and death on the cross, you will understand that only through prayer you, too, can become true apostles of faith; when, in simplicity and prayer, you live faith which is a gift. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Today we read the Gospel Matthew – describing the same scene when Judas departs to betray Jesus. “Surely it is not I, Rabbi.” And Jesus answered, “You have said so.” We wonder how Judas could have been so bold-faced to pretend before the Lord that he was not a betrayer. But have we not been tempted to smooth over relationships with just such lies? It occurred to me that Judas did not understand Jesus. He knew Him in His public ministry, and as a friend, but this was all before Christ’s passion and death. He didn’t understand the depth of Jesus’ love, nor the price Jesus was to pay for sin. He didn’t get it. He was still thinking in worldly terms about Jesus’ ministry. Our Lady doesn’t want us to be so short sighted. And so she tells us “Today, in a special way, I invite you to take the cross in the hands and to meditate on the wounds of Jesus.” Mother Mary wants us to experience the Crucifixion of Jesus close up. Jesus’ suffering for us must be inscribed on our hearts. We need to know how much He loves us, so that we will never be tempted to betray Him. She then tells us: “Ask of Jesus to heal your wounds, which you, dear children, during your life sustained because of your sins or the sins of your parents. Only in this way, dear children, you will understand that the world is in need of healing of faith in God the Creator.” When we ask Jesus to heal our wounds from our sins and our parent’s sins, He will do it. He will give us back our identity as His children. He will heal our shame and guilt, our self-loathing and contempt. He will give us hope. Then we will understand that the whole world has been wounded in the same way, and it is only faith on God that will heal us. Finally she tells us: “By Jesus’ passion and death on the cross, you will understand that only through prayer you, too, can become true apostles of faith; when, in simplicity and prayer, you live faith which is a gift.” Jesus’ passion and death on the cross bring us to faith. They bring us to the truth, that God loves us and wants us to come home to Him. This gift of faith then will change us into apostles, make us lovers of God and neighbor. This is the gift that will be renewed in our hearts during the Easter Triduum. We have arrived at this moment, when we meditate on Jesus, crucified, and are healed. Come, let us adore! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2017