The Death of Christ

Death and Resurrection of Christ /a contemplative prayer/

  • July 12, 2011

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Introduction

The spiritual resurrection of the Church will begin through a restored celebration of the Day of Resurrection – Sunday.

Early Christians had four fundamental spiritual pillars: a) the apostles’ teaching, b) fellowship (koinonia), c) common prayers, d) the Eucharist (see Acts 2:42). All these four elements need to be realized on the day which is wholly consecrated to God. It is not sufficient just to attend the Divine Liturgy (the Eucharist), but Christians also need to gather in small communities (cells). Again, the pattern for us is the Apostles and early Christians. They not only attended the temple but also gathered in their homes.

We bring forward a model for celebration of the Resurrection Day (every Sunday) as well as prayer models for contemplation of the sufferings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Last Supper and Gethsemane (reflection)

  • July 11, 2011

Last Supper

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

On Thursday evening Jesus celebrates the Last Supper with His apostles. The Passover is connected with the sacrificing of the lamb and with the Passover meal. This festival commemorates the passing over of Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Jesus came to deliver mankind from the slavery of sin and the devil.

From Gethsemane to Golgotha (Way of the Cross)

  • July 10, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

Jesus is arrested: The apostle-traitor brought soldiers and temple guards with torches into Gethsemane. He came near to Jesus and gave Him a traitorous kiss. And the soldiers seized Jesus.

Jesus before Annas: They brought Him to the high priest Annas. He questioned Jesus about many things. One of the guards struck Jesus in the face.

Seven words from the cross – 1st word from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do!” (Lk 23:34)

  • June 30, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do!’” (Lk 23:32-34)

“When they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him…”

Seven words from the cross – 2nd word from the cross: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43)

  • June 29, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“One of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying: ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying: ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus: ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him: ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” (Lk 23:39-43)

Seven words from the cross – 3rd word from the cross: “Behold, your mother!” (Jn 19:26)

  • June 28, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother… When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother: ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple: ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple received her into himself.” (Jn 19:25-27)

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother…” She sees Him crucified, tortured, His whole body covered in wounds. The crown of thorns in particular causes Him excruciating pain. Pressed into His head, the sharp thorns pierce the scalp and cause copious bleeding.

Seven words from the cross – 4th word from the cross: “I thirst!” (Jn 19:28)

  • June 26, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said: ‘I thirst!’ A vessel full of sour wine was standing there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.” (Jn 19:28-29)

Jesus is hanging on the cross. He thirsts. Cruel flogging has lacerated His holy body and He has lost a lot of blood. The whip consisted of three braided leather thongs with metal balls.

Seven words from the cross – 5th word from the cross: “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?) (Mk 15:34)

  • June 25, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice: ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachtha-ni?’ which means, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Mk 15:34)

Jesus is dying on the cross. His body is covered in wounds and bruises, the skin is wet with cold, clammy sweat. He cannot find any position which would allow Him at least some relief. The nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the large median nerve, and the severely damaged nerve causes excruciating pain.

Seven words from the cross – 6th word from the cross: “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30)

  • June 24, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said: ‘It is finished!’” (Jn 19:30)

Jesus’ arms become fatigued, they are losing strength. Great waves of cramps sweep through the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. The muscles of the chest are paralyzed and unable to act –cycles of suffocation and agony begin. Jesus fights to get even one short breath. He feels a deep crushing pain in the chest. The pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart whereby it restricts its movements.

Seven words from the cross – 7th word from the cross: “Father (Abba), into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Lk 23:46)

  • June 23, 2011

a) Reflection on God’s Word:

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said: ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.” (Lk 23:44-46)

“… the earth was shaken, and the rocks were rent… When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said: ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” (Mt 27:51.54)

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