Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” The Cross remains for us the one definitive act of God’s love where he expresses unconditionally his love for all humanity. The Cross symbolizes God allowing himself in Jesus to be cursed and utterly humiliated for the sake of saving us. God proves his love to the point of death on a Cross. Jesus would tell us no one has greater love than this. How does the Cross make you feel? What do you see when you look upon the Cross? Do you see Jesus dying because he chose not to disclose that you are the one, not he who is guilty of blasphemy? Jesus embraces the Cross for the love of poor sinners. When given the Cross, he embraces it, kisses it and graciously carries the Cross to repair and atone for our sins and pay the price for our sinfulness. He never complains. He remains silent not telling anyone how guilty we are. What if you were asked to help carry the Cross? How would you respond? Would you try to find an excuse or walk away? Would you look at Jesus with contempt as Simon did? He was concerned for himself wanting everyone to know that unlike Jesus, he was innocent of any crime, he was not a criminal. Simon has to be forced to assist Jesus. Do you have to be forced to assist Jesus? As Simon helps carry the Cross, he encounters the God who loves him. One look into Jesus’ eyes and Simon sees humility, innocence, vulnerability, love, patience, peace. Simon cries for he realizes the truth about who Jesus is. He is not a criminal. He is innocent. He is the Messiah who has allowed himself to be bruised, beaten and broken for the salvation of souls. Simon understands he is a poor sinner in need of redemption. He is a poor sinner in need of this cross. He understands that he is not helping to carry Jesus’ cross but that Jesus is helping him to carry his cross. What do you see when you gaze upon the Cross? Can you see God pouring out all his love until it hurts? Can you see God giving everything until it hurts no more? Do you understand that no one loves you more than this or can ever love you more than this? As Jesus carries the Cross, that is, as Jesus carries your cross, he is loving you in every step, in every fall, to the point of death – death on a cross.

 

Reflections from the Heart – Easter Sunday

Reflections from the Heart - Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” We were created out ...

Reflections from the Heart – Palm Sunday – March 28, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 21, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 21, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Lent “I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts.”  Our hearts are ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 14, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 14, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Lent “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 7, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 7, 2021
Third Sunday in Lent “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” O ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 28, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 28, 2021
Second Sunday in Lent “Jesus led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.” A retreat is a wonderful opportunity ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 21, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 21, 2021
First Sunday in Lent “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.” I ponder these ...

Ash Wednesday Reflection – February 17, 2021

Ash Wednesday Reflection - February 17, 2021
Ash Wednesday  “What are you giving up for Lent?” We often hear this familiar question this time of year and ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 14, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 14, 2021
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 7, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 7, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time “Job spoke, saying: My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle; they come to an ...

Reflections from the Heart – January 31, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - January 31, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time “Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties.” Do you know ...

Reflections from the Heart – January 24, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - January 24, 2021
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time “Teach me your ways, O Lord.” Are you teachable or have you learned all you ...