Meditation & Reflection
Meditation
In embracing the call to stand united with the world’s encompassing pain, I find the heart of what it means to be called “a Christian.” It’s a commitment that requires an inner liberation, a response to Jesus’ invitation—a choice between yes, no, or perhaps. This path isn’t about earning God’s love; that gift is already given. Rather, it’s about reciprocating that love by embracing what God loves, the way God loves. This journey baptizes us “into his death” and “resurrection,” a transformative process outlined in sacred texts. Undertaken earnestly, it can reshape the very fabric of our world.
The notion of the “crucified God,” embodied in Jesus, reminds us that God stands with suffering wherever it’s found. Even amidst resistance, this solidarity echoes through wounded soldiers, victims, and even perpetrators. In a world averse to suffering, courage emerges as the cornerstone, born of a heart in action (cor-agere). The path of solidarity with suffering demands immense courage, testing our mettle.
As we traverse this path, we find companionship with the Crucified One and all of humanity. Jesus operates through us, birthing a “new creation,” shaping us anew. It’s a partnership, a divine collaboration that transforms self and society—a journey of courage, compassion, and communion.
Personal Reflection
In unity with the world’s pain, I find the essence of my Christian path. This commitment demands inner liberation. Jesus’ life is a choice, a vocation—a call I can answer with yes, no, or perhaps. This path isn’t about earning God’s love; it’s already given. It’s about loving what God loves, as God loves. This journey baptizes me “into his death” and “resurrection,” a transformation outlined in sacred texts. If embraced sincerely, it alters the world’s fabric.
The concept of the “crucified God,” in Jesus, reminds me that God stands with suffering. This includes wounded soldiers on opposing sides, victims and perpetrators—an unsettling truth. Our world resists suffering, marked by the grip of the gun lobby and a war economy. Courage, a heart in action (cor-agere), is foundational. The path of solidarity with suffering demands immense courage.
Embarking on this journey, I realize I’m not alone. Through identifying with the Crucified One and all humanity, I navigate it. Jesus, in boundless grace, works through me, birthing a “new creation,” reshaping me. This isn’t solitary; it’s a sacred partnership, a collaboration that transforms self and society.
