March 17, 2024

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jer 31:31-34
Ps 51
Heb 5:7-9
Jn 12:20-33

THE MOST VENERATED IMAGE IN THE CHURCH

Among many sacred images in the Church, the cross is the most venerated image that draws the
people's attention. The biggest procession in the Philippines, the Nazareno, even depicts Jesus
carrying the cross. In this Lenten season, we see people flocking around the image of the
crucified Christ on the cross all the more. People venerate the images of the crucified Christ on
the cross through touching, kissing, and even offering sampaguita garlands.

What makes people venerate the cross? Some people might do it out of the customs and
traditions of the people around them. Some people might do it out of devotion. Some people
might feel sorry for their sins by venerating the cross, and people amend their lives from it.

The cross would not draw such people’s attention if Jesus did not die on it. Thus, Jesus is true to
his words, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (Jn. 12:32).
Without the death of Jesus on the Cross, the cross is still a sign and instrument of the cruel death
penalty for a criminal. Jesus transforms the cross as an instrument of our redemption because,
through it, Jesus obtains salvation for us.

One of the Lenten observances for us is the meditation on the Lord’s passion. This can be done in
many ways, such as pilgrimage, praying the Way of the Cross, meditation on the Seven Last
Words, and the chanting of the Pasyon.

Moreover, Saint Leo the Great wrote, “True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the
eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognizing in him our own humanity” (De Passione
Domini). When we venerate the cross, we are drawn to relate our own suffering in this life with
the suffering of Christ on the cross.

Our devotion to venerate the Cross is not only a ritual or custom. It is actually our daily call to
follow Jesus. Jesus reminds us, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also
will my servant be” (Jn. 12:26). Following Jesus does not mean following only in his glory but
also following him in the way of the cross. When we gaze on the crucified Christ, we are drawn
to crucify ourselves, to crucify our sins on the cross, and to have a new life of grace in Christ.

Every time we face difficulties in our lives, may the Cross of Christ be our hope and
encouragement. Furthermore, Saint Leo the Great wrote, “No one, however weak, is denied a
share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.” As we are
inspired by the image of the Crucified Christ, may God’s help always enable us to carry our cross
daily.
 PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Jesus himself offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the Father. In
confidence, we offer our prayers to God as we say,
R. God of mercy, strengthen us.

1. For the Church: that God’s covenant, which is written upon our hearts, may help us know
the Lord more deeply and guide us in serving God each day. Let us pray.
2. For the Government leaders: that they may acknowledge the law that God wrote in the
hearts of all people so that they will not make any policies and regulations that betray it.
Let us pray.
3. For all who desire to see Jesus: that they may come to know and develop a relationship
with Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us pray.
4. For all who are suffering: that they may see that their lives are broader than their
suffering and God is more powerful than their suffering. Let us pray.
5. For all who are struggling in their faith: that the crucified Christ inspires and strengthens
them in all their struggles. Let us pray.
6. For our personal intentions and the intentions of this mass … . Let us pray.

God, you drew all things to yourself when you lifted up your Son on the cross. Draw us once
again to you, O God, so that nothing separates us from you. We ask this, through Christ, our
Lord.