Not in Jest
Taking the crucifixion seriously
Trigger Warning: Religious content
I cannot think of anything more profound on Good Friday than this quote from a meditation by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene in the book “Divine Intimacy.”
“Oh Christ, Son of God, as I contemplate the great sufferings You endured for us on the cross, I hear you saying to my soul: ‘it is not in jest that I have loved you!’ These words open my eyes and I see clearly all that your love has made you do for me. I see that you suffered during your life and death, O Man-God, suffering because of that profound ineffable love. No, O Lord, it was not in jest that you loved me, but your love is perfect and real. in myself, I see the opposite, for my love is lukewarm and untrue, and this grieves me very much.”
‘It is not in jest‘ that caught my eye. It is not in jest that He loved me. Sometimes I take for granted His sacrifice for me on the cross. I don't consider what it cost Him, what He endured for my sake. What does He ask in return? He seeks my love in return, and for me to take very seriously His teaching on the kind of life I am to live.
In periods of suffering, I must take up my cross and follow Him, in union with his suffering. In periods of bounty, I am called to share with those who do not have, and to trust in periods of want that my needs will be met. I am to serve as he served and to take the lowest place.
What else am I called to do? I am to treat my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, with all that entails. I am to lead a life of charity towards all, including those who persecute me or otherwise do me harm. I am to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul, with my very life. This is a tall order for a sinner like me, and I cannot do it without His grace, which He offers willingly. All I have to do is ask.
I need to be patient with myself. I will no doubt stumble and fall. So I get up again. His way of dealing with me and the world is to give us time, to offer us grace, and to let us grow, the tares and the wheat together, until we are the people he wants us to be. This is mercy indeed. So let us strive together to do what we are asked to do. He did not die on the cross in jest.
My meditation today, on Good Friday, is to be grateful and humble before the infinite love of Jesus. He suffered to the very end. He was not joking. Can I do less than love him with all my heart until the end?
I agree with you!