God’s passionate love has always been with us and even a cursory review of the Old Testament reveals this. Throughout the Old Testament we see messages of the coming Savior and everlasting King – the one whose passionate love will unite us with our heavenly Father. Yet, evil was at work throughout, trying its best to turn the hearts of God’s chosen people away from the heart of God.
The Book of Wisdom, which was written about 100 years before the birth of Christ by an unknown author, offers unique insight into God’s love and evil’s attempts to thwart it. I believe today’s first reading is more clear when you read all of chapter 2. In this chapter you will read of those who do not believe in eternal life (2:1-5). They sound like modern-day atheists! I invite you to take a look.
Without hope of an afterlife with God, they turn to living life lavishly and without love of brother. They speak of greed, riches, and living for today because there is no hope in tomorrow. They seek to enjoy the good things that are “real” – things of the earth. You see, evil has convinced them that there is essentially no God, and therefore no Savior on the horizon. They must life for today and today alone. And if such a Savior appears he must be snuffed out because he will undoubtedly put a damper on their lavish lifestyle.
Unbelief?
Why didn’t they believe? I suppose they didn’t believe in much the same way that many people don’t believe in God today. They didn’t trust in his saving grace and his promises because they never experienced his love in their hearts. Even though God had sent prophet after prophet with his message of love, they still didn’t understand this love. They undoubtedly experienced heartaches and suffering like we do today; however, instead of trusting in God they trusted in man. In doing so they inevitably remained on a perpetual rollercoaster of human emotions and human trials.
Yet, God spoke to his people then, and he speaks to us now. He revealed in Wisdom that the wicked would put their savior to a shameful death at the appointed time. If only they could have listened and heard… Well, we can listen to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit if we choose. During this Lenten season I invite you to find your way into a deeper and more profound passionate love relationship with God by listening to him more fully. As you do, he will heal your brokenness and fully unite you with the love he shares with his Son
Passionate Love – Meditating on the Crucifix
Over the weekend I was at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology for my studies. As I most often do, I woke early so I could sit in the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel to meditate and be quite with Jesus before moving into the busyness of the day. Enjoying quite time with Jesus in this beautiful chapel as the day awakens does something special to my soul that is beyond words. Suffice it to say, I believe God speaks to me in those sacred early morning moments.
As I sat before the Crucifix hanging above the altar I remembered the words my pastor spoke to me earlier in the week about a time he sat and gazed upon the Crucifix. As I sat there in the presence of the Holy Trinity gazing upon the Crucifix my heart-felt a very small portion of the immense and passionate love Jesus carried within him surrounding, and including, his Passion. Yes, my heart ached when I looked at the wounds and the physical pain he endured for our sake; however, what was most pronounced in my heart was the love behind the Crucifixion. Jesus did not die for the pain of the Cross, no, he surrendered his life because he loved of all humanity that much. He suffered so that we could live a life of love; a life where we love others and we are loved in return. Jesus suffered so we could experience the love that he continually experienced with the Father. Which leads me to my favorite verse in sacred scripture – John 17:22-23
The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. – John 17:22-23
An Invitation
I invite you to practice Passionate Love – Meditating on the Crucifix during this Lenten season. It has been added to my Fasting of the Mind list of meditations and contemplative prayers. As mystics Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross shared with us, deep meditation and contemplative prayer serves to strengthen the connective tissue between us and God. Such a bond creates a very real, physical change in our human bodies. I believe such practices serve to make our bodies more holy and open to receiving the messages of the Holy Trinity. Repetition is key, because after all, muscles need to be used repeatedly for them to strengthen. Our spiritual muscles are no different on that note.
How to Use the Meditation
Passionate Love – Meditating on the Crucifix
This meditation is performed while gazing upon a Crucifix. Throughout the meditation you are invited to look at the deep, passionate love Jesus had for all of humanity during his Crucifixion. As you circle the Crucifix continually bring to your mind and heart the great love behind every pain Jesus suffered; physical, emotional, and spiritual. If at any time during the meditation you feel your mind wandering you are invited to practice Breath of Christ. Breath of Christ is done by following your breath and repeating the words I, love, you, Jesus. You can repeat this as often as you wish. Take your time and enjoy this sacred space with Jesus Christ, our Father, and the Holy Spirit.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
Preparation Steps:
- Realize you are in the presence of God, he is all around you.
- Take note of your breath and follow your inhalations and exhalations.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you empty your heart so you can receive any message God has for you.
- Allow your heart to be open to God’s message for you during this meditation.
Let’s Begin. Remember, take your time with each step and only move forward to the next step when you feel ready to do so.
- Begin by looking at the superscription at the top of the Cross: INRI – which means “This is the King of the Jews”. Call to mind that it was written in all three languages of the day; Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. Also, take time to honor our Jewish ancestors in faith and what they carry for all of us. Their loss is truly our gain. Without them we would not have our savior Jesus Christ.
- Look at and meditate on the nail/wound on Jesus’ right hand.
- Look at and meditate on the wound on his shoulder, where he carried the Cross.
- Look at and mediate on the crown of thorns, his eyes, his face, his ears, his tears.
- Look at and meditate on the nail/wound on his left hand.
- Look at and meditate on his nakedness, the shame he bore for us. Call to mind the time in the Garden of Eden before shame entered the world.
- Look at and meditate on the nails/wounds in his feet. Call to mind the fact that he trampled over death.
- Look at and meditate on the wound on his right side. Look at the blood and water outpouring – the water and blood of eternal life.
- Look at and meditate on his Sacred Heart. Allow yourself to rest in it. Feel what it feels like to be consumed by his great love.
End by giving gratitude for this sacred time. Focus on your breath for many cycles and come back into current time. Know that you are always in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is always in you.
That Picture Up There
Well my friends, that’s a picture of the Crucifix at the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel at Saint Meinrad – one of my favorite places to experience Jesus. I hope you experience a bit of internal peace as you look at it as well.
Fasting of The Mind Options
There are many ways to pray and meditate including the Rosary and many beautiful Chaplets and Novenas – I love being Catholic!!!! Below you will find other options I have found to be very helpful. I have found it particularly helpful to experience these meditations in Eucharistic Adoration after Mass.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Father God – consume us.
Holy Spirit – enter in to us.
Mother Mary – pray for us.
My Book
I have created a pdf version for those who seek to read my book, Understanding The Jesus Code, yet have found it is not available via Amazon in their country, or those who are financially unable to obtain a copy. If you are experiencing either issue please email me at DrCarolyn@TheLIVEMethod.com so I can help.
