The globe looks like a massive drop of tear. The tearful world is at the foot of the Cross, gazing at the embodiment of love, hanging between heaven and earth. Humanity looks through the Suffering Servant into eternity, seeking response for several unanswered questions.

As it looks around, it sees Mother Mary, John the Apostle, Mary Magdalene and others and wishes to weep with them. At the sight of the contempt of the leaders of people and soldiers, it is confused and tends to withdraw. The suffering of the Messiah makes it empathize with Him and lament for Him. This suffering humanity longs to find solace in His suffering.

It is tempted to look at the cross as a sign of shame and the suffering Jesus as a failure. But immediately it is reminded of the pole on which hung the bronze snake, and how those bitten by snakes were healed as they looked at it.

As we fix our eyes on this tree and the crucified, we should not weep or lament. Jesus said to the women of Jerusalem “Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.” Rather we should take strength and courage from him.

The Nazarene was not weak! He was strong and is strong! But we refuse to heed the true meaning of strength. Jesus never lived a life of fear, nor did He die suffering or complaining. He grieved not before His killers. He muted Evil and He crushed Falsehood. He lived as a leader; He was crucified as a martyr; He died with a heroism that frightened even His killers and tormentors.

Humanity should learn this lesson from Jesus. Jesus cried aloud to God with anguish and longing: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Apparently, God did not answer him. But Jesus did not die in despair. Instead he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” To the same God who obviously did not respond, Jesus handed over his life. This faith and this commitment ended up in his resurrection.

Now we are in desperation and pain. Fear and hopelessness loom over us. Infection and deaths are all around us. Yet, should we give up? Should we lose hope? No. Look toward resurrection through death. Look toward health through sickness. Look toward light through darkness. We should say, ‘O God, into Thy hands, we commend our lives,’ save us and give us life.

We pray for the world; we pray for all peoples in the world. May the crucified Lord, the wounded healer who understands our weakness and pain, keep us strong, healthy and pour upon us the fruits of salvation!