I have often heard the phrase, “The Triumph of the Cross.” But recently I read a reflection entitled, “The Triumph of Love on the Cross.” This struck me as a more accurate expression of what we are commemorating on Good Friday—not only Jesus’ horrific crucifixion but his enduring love that prevailed throughout his agony on the Cross.
As he was dying, Jesus was still able to love: He prayed to his Heavenly Father, he entrusted the care of his mother to John his disciple, he forgave his executioners, he promised eternal life to the good thief and he surrendered his total self to God. That is the triumph we celebrate. It is because of Jesus’ enduring love that we can call this terrible day “good.”
Pope Francis wrote, “…when we build without the Cross, when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of Christ.” Can we, like Jesus, continue to love during, with and through the crosses we are bearing?
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Questions? Do I call my crosses, “good?” Does God know about my crosses? Does He allow them to happen? Do I deal with my crosses with open arm and thank God for them? Do you know someone who or have you lost a child before his/her time? Think about that kind of pain endured by a parent (our Father) as in John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life!” Would you rather be the Son or the Father? *** It...
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Amen!

Jesus gives us who are united in faith, "To love one another as I have loved you." Love people no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. Tough love happens when we really show people that they make a difference for others every day. Love for those around us even though we may be suffering from our own wounds, hurts and selfish acts (sin). Love is when we seek forgiveness, acceptance, filled with courage to change that things we are able. Love gives us strength to breath, take the steps that are needed and be filled with the teachings of...
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Amen.

Thank you for this devotion, Sr. Melannie. Amen.

Sr. Melannie your words give me some hope, thank you. For Jesus to love us that much is amazing. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all in this world to guide us to a more perfect heavenly earth.

Thank you, thank you Sister Melannie. Your reflection epitomizes that because of the Cross, we witness Jesus’ unconditional Love for all humanity. Through His suffering, He has given us the best example of true Love. Thank you, beautiful Lord Jesus.

AMEN!

Amen Amen Amen

amen

Amen.
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
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Morning L.F.F. on this Good Friday. Thank you Sister Melanie for your writing. And thank you to Scott, you are such a good writer in your own words. Easy for Me to understand and resonate with. God Bless each and Everyone one of us. Today and Always. I do know how it feels Salina, my Eldest Son Stephen Christopher "Stevie" Juarez passed away from cancer on 02-24-09 at the very young age of 28...my Eldest Nephew Andres "Paul" Valdez passed away from cancer on 12-08-09 at the young age of 37.