1st Last Word



Forgive!

Luke 23:34


I believe that in this time of Good Friday that commemorates the Passion and Death of Jesus, what is folly to men is utterly wise to God.  It seems so illogical for us to forgive sins and to embrace the cross as means of salvation or attaining life.

I could only give witness to the Eucharist as the instrument for the forgiveness of sins.  Because in yesterday’s liturgy of the Last Supper and washing of the feet, the whole Eucharist is paralleled with the saving and condemning judgment of God.  Just as the angel of death passed over those whose doors were marked by the blood of the lamb while killing the first borns of all the others, so too in every Eucharist, the Lord passes by and grants salvation to all those who partake in the supper of the Lord.

Blessed Eucharist! We are forgiven each moment we celebrate it; we are saved!  We are saved by Jesus, but why?  There could only be one explanation: because he willed it so!  It was his solemn oath to forgive us and grant us life.  Jesus said, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Moreover, he says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Finally, Jesus says, “ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Jesus simply wills us to forgive; as he has forgiven us so may we forgive one another.

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