John 19:31-37

Meditation: Do you know the heart of Jesus – a heart that was
pierced for your sake and mine? Of all the Gospel accounts of Jesus' death,
John mentions that the soldiers pierced his heart with a lance. This was
a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 12:10: "when they look on him
whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him". The heart of Jesus was
pierced for our sake. He willingly went to the cross and laid down his
life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. If we want to understand the
depth and breadth of God's love for each of us, then look upon the heart
that was pierced for you and for me. That is the reason Jesus went to the
cross, to redeem us from slavery to sin and death.
True love does not count the cost, but gives everything for the beloved.
Jesus withheld nothing, but gave everything he had for our sake. Saint
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) says that "God loves each of us as if there
were only one of us to love." In the cross of Christ we see the love of
God broken and pierced for our sake. Jesus reigns triumphant at the right
hand of the Father. He has risen in glory for our sake and he intercedes
for us in heaven. He stands before the throne of heaven with his marks
of victory – his pierced side, hands, and feet. Who can fathom the love
of God? For all eternity we will gaze upon him who was crucified and who
rose for our sake. The Lord Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in sacrificial
love for one another. Only a broken and contrite heart can fathom the mercy
of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Do you love as Jesus loves, with a broken
heart that yearns for all to know the love and mercy of God?
"Lord Jesus, your love knows no bounds. Break my heart with the things
that break your heart that I may love generously as you love."
Psalm 34:19-22
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD
delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will
be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings