Sunday, March 08, 2009

The Power of the Cross: First Week of Lent, Friday - The Cross of Christ Teaches Us Reconciliation

Ask — Is there anyone I do not love? In what way can I allow the love of Christ to control me?

Seek — Allow the image of the cross of Christ, the price Jesus paid to redeem all creation, to dominate your thoughts when you find yourself growing angry at someone. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be reconciled to those who have hurt you.

Knock — Meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. What controls you? What motivates you from the moment of your rising to the point when you take your rest at night? Dwelling on Paul's words, ask the Lord to fill you with his love so that it may be the controlling force in your life.

Transform Your Life — Jesus told his disciples to be reconciled before coming to the altar with their sacrifice. If we carry anger or sin we need to be reconciled to Christ before coming to receive him in the Eucharist. This may mean making contact with people whom we have hurt and asking their forgiveness. We should also go to confession regularly, so that Holy Communion is a true sign of communion with God and all his creatures.

(
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life, pp. 45.)

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