Sometimes I am out of words, left speechless. How could I possibly write of the beauty of the Cross, especially on Good Friday? Jesus’ love is so big, so consuming, so inviting. He took on our pain, bore our sin, and surrendered all to the Father so that we could truly live – truly love.
During his life on earth Jesus was all about love and divine strength. He loved the people, he freed them from their pain and he showed them the way to the Father. And he was also strong! He stood firm with the Pharisees and Sadducees. He called them out – I would have been in a puddle on the ground!
So today, I am going to spend it with our Lord – in prayer and in community. I invite you to be with me. While I may be in my church building and you may be in yours – we are connected in spirit. One of my prayers today will be a meditation I call Passionate Love – Meditating on the Crucifix. This meditation came to me one morning while sitting in front of the Crucifix in the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel at Saint Meinrad Seminary – pictured above.
Passionate Love – Meditating on the Crucifix
As mystics Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross shared with us, deep meditation and contemplative prayer serves to strengthen the connective tissue between us and God. Such a bond creates a very real, physical change in our human bodies. I believe such practices serve to make our bodies more holy and open to receiving the messages of the Holy Trinity. Repetition is key, because after all, muscles need to be used repeatedly for them to strengthen. Our spiritual muscles are no different on that note.
How to Use the Meditation
This meditation is performed while gazing upon a Crucifix. Throughout the meditation you are invited to look at the deep, passionate love Jesus had for all of humanity during his Crucifixion. As you circle the Crucifix continually bring to your mind and heart the great love behind every pain Jesus suffered; physical, emotional, and spiritual. If at any time during the meditation you feel your mind wandering you are invited to practice Breath of Christ. Breath of Christ is done by following your breath and repeating the words I, love, you, Jesus. You can repeat this as often as you wish. Take your time and enjoy this sacred space with Jesus Christ, our Father, and the Holy Spirit.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
Preparation Steps:
- Realize you are in the presence of God, he is all around you.
- Take note of your breath and follow your inhalations and exhalations.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you empty your heart so you can receive any message God has for you.
- Allow your heart to be open to God’s message for you during this meditation.
Let’s Begin. Remember, take your time with each step and only move forward to the next step when you feel ready to do so.
- Begin by looking at the superscription at the top of the Cross: INRI – which means “This is the King of the Jews”. Call to mind that it was written in all three languages of the day; Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. Also, take time to honor our Jewish ancestors in faith and what they carry for all of us. Their loss is truly our gain. Without them we would not have our savior Jesus Christ.
- Look at and meditate on the nail/wound on Jesus’ right hand.
- Look at and meditate on the wound on his shoulder, where he carried the Cross.
- Look at and mediate on the crown of thorns, his eyes, his face, his ears, his tears.
- Look at and meditate on the nail/wound on his left hand.
- Look at and meditate on his nakedness, the shame he bore for us. Call to mind the time in the Garden of Eden before shame entered the world.
- Look at and meditate on the nails/wounds in his feet. Call to mind the fact that he trampled over death.
- Look at and meditate on the wound on his right side. Look at the blood and water outpouring – the water and blood of eternal life.
- Look at and meditate on his Sacred Heart. Allow yourself to rest in it. Feel what it feels like to be consumed by his great love.
- End by giving gratitude for this sacred time. Focus on your breath for many cycles and come back into current time. Know that you are always in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is always in you.
- Love with your whole heart the One who offered Himself with His whole heart for you. – Saint Claire of Assisi
Global Light For Christ
Our little prayer community keeps growing and we are all resting in Jesus’ loving arms.
If you would like to add your prayer intention below please do so. I personally look back on our petitions throughout the week when I sit in prayer. If you prefer to keep your intention private please email me and I will include you in my prayers. This week I am praying that God increase within each of us an increased ability to fall into his arms.
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
God the Father – draw us in your Fatherly love.
God the Son – continue to help our hearts heal and forgive.
God the Holy Spirit – embrace us in your divine love.
