Station XIII : Jesus dies on the cross

Luke 23: 44-46

⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land^* until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵while the sun’s light failed;^* and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.

Some Background to the Scripture

In ancient Near East literature, cosmic events occurred at the births and deaths of important people.   From another stance, one might understand that the very Earth itself responds to the death of Jesus.

The curtain being torn in two may have varied meanings: that in Jesus, all have access to God – both Jews and Gentiles; that in Jesus the new covenant has been established and so the Temple is no longer the loci of God’s presence (and thus Temple sacrifice is no longer necessary).

 Reflection

The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. At the global level, it is a complex system linked to many of the essential conditions for human life. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon. Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si (On Care for our Common Home) 24 May 2015

 Reflection Question

What does nature teach us about God?  When has your connection to nature reminded you about God?

Prayer

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.

Laudato Si, 246

 Response

Pope Francis invites all people to care for our common home, Earth.  Visit the following websites and consider participating in some of the initiatives: Catholic Earthcare Australia and Global Catholic Climate Movement.