Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." And having said this, he breathed his last and died.
There were many puzzling events that happened around the time of Jesus' death. At about noon, darkness covered the land, after Jesus' death there was an earthquake and the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. Could you imagine being an eyewitness to this single event that would change the trajectory of human history? Could you imagine being there the previous Sunday shouting "Hosanna" and then in less than a week be a part of the bewitched mob that were yelling crucify him?
All these events, regardless of how gruesome and anti-human were a part of God's master plan to reconcile humanity to the creator and each other. Could there have been an easier plan B? Probably. When I have conversations with inquirers and new converts, they almost always ask "Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?" The answer is a simple one syllable, four-letter word. LOVE. I am reminded of a gospel song recorded by the Sidney A. Locks Mass Choir of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, "Love is the reason."
"Love is the reason I'm here today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.
And the son gave his life for you and for me.
When he suffered, bled and died on Calvary.
Love is the reason, the reason I live this life."
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus crucified, love is the reason we live this life. Make us ever mindful and ever grateful of your love for us. Make us agents and instruments of that same love. It is through your holy crucifixion and resurrection that we move, live and have our being. Amen.
Faithfully,
Karr
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