“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5)
The Gospel of John provides a very insightful and powerful glimpse into the Paschal Mystery. The dualism and distinction between light and darkness are indeed symbolic and truth-telling as we try to unveil the meaning and beauty of the Holy Triduum. This three-day period that begins with the solemn Washing of the Feet and reaches the summit with the everlasting Resurrection of our Lord takes the form of a transition that surpasses time and space. This transition develops from the glooming darkness of sin and death, into the glorious and permeating light that stems from the Resurrected Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The brokenness and detrimental effects of Original Sin are still present in the world in various ways. The degradation of life, the relativization of the truth, the noxious effects of transient ideologies that undermine the sacredness of the human body, the nature of addiction, and the pernicious consequences of war, are just some examples of the prevailing darkness that continues to disseminate and take root in man’s heart. The presence of evil in the world is expressive of the sepulchral darkness of sin that seeks to conquer the depths of man’s soul. The shadow of sin leaves man’s capacity to love inert and alienates him far away from his creator. When totally isolated in his own darkness, man is unable both to know himself and see God. Nevertheless, despite the inner brokenness of our human nature, darkness is not definitive in our call for sanctity. Jesus himself conquered death and dispelled the shadows of evil by virtue of the Cross. Through His Passion, Jesus underwent darkness, but through His Resurrection, He conquered the abyss of death. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS IS OUR HOPE! However, the mystery of the Resurrection remains futile when divorced from the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord. We cannot understand the Resurrection without the Crucified Lord. As a consequence, just as Jesus had to undergo tribulation to fulfill His mission, so too, we are called to unite ourselves to the Cross in order to fully embrace the Resurrected Lord.
Our God knows what suffering is about, as He willingly embraced suffering on the Cross because of love. Our God suffered temptations and death but rose and banished the powers of evil forever. This is where the beauty and meaning of the Holy Triduum is grounded in. Today, we are called to enter into the tomb with Jesus and let ourselves be transfigured by His tender love. As we leave the Holy Sepulcher at the Easter Vigil, we enter a new creation that is restored by Jesus’ divine grace! In this new creation God says to you in a personal way: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Any human suffering does not remain meaningless when seen from the Cross of Jesus, because through His death we can live forever. We were not made for darkness; we were made for light sisters and brothers! Earthly sufferings are not the end, but the means to conform ourselves to Christ’s love. The darkness of suffering in human life is temporal, precisely, because the Resurrection of Jesus is our everlasting light. The light of Jesus coming to us does not only shines through, but also ignites and burns like a blazing fire. Through this beautiful and grace-filled season, God desires to unite Himself to us, bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and alleviate our suffering, most especially through the gift of the Sacred Banquet of the Eucharist.
PRAYER:
May the sanctifying grace and power of the Passion of Our Lord strengthen our faith as we face and embrace with hope the trials of this life! May the majestic light of the Resurrection ignite our hearts with the flame of God’s love during this Holy Season!
“Jesus’ face shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:1-9)
Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz
Latest posts by Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz (see all)
- Unworthiness, Joy, and Gratitude - May 2, 2023
- Light Coming Through the Darkness - April 4, 2023
- Man’s Creation: God’s Act of Love - February 7, 2023
