Thought for the Day – 14 April – The Night of the Passion

Thought for the Day – 14 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Night of the Passion

“Caiphas, the High Priest, could not gather any solid and unconflicting evidence which would convict Jesus and further his own evil plans.
At last, he solemnly commanded Jesus in the name of the living God, to say whether He was really the Christ, the Son of God.
“Thou hast said it,” Jesus replied: “Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
At this, the High Priest tore his garments.
“He has blasphemed,” he cried, “He deserves to die” (Cf Mt 26:63-66).

The unjust sentence was met with general acclaim and Jesus was handed over to the soldiers, as if He were a common criminal.
For the rest of the night, these ruffians humiliated and ill-treated Him in the worst possible fashion.
Some spat in His face, others slapped and struck Him and still others, blindfolded Him and jeeringly asked: “Prophecy to us, O Christ! Who is it who struck thee?” (CF Mt 26:67-68)
Jesus suffered in silence.
He suffered because of the blows and insults but, most of all, because of the sad spectacle of so much sin and ingratitude.
He was offered as a Victim of expiation for us all.

When we realise tbe vast number of sins which are committed , what do we do about it?
Do we pray that poor sinners may repent and return to console the Heart of Jesus?
Do we offer our pain and sorrows on their behalf?
If we really love God, we should do this much.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-the-night-of-the-passion/