What a week this is from Palm Sunday to Holy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday. We see a range of emotions from the incredible honoring of Jesus as Christ the King by the crowds on Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper and the institution of the priesthood on Holy Thursday, to the betrayal by Judas and the evil trial by the Sanhedrin that broke every rule in the book during the passion. It's exhausting even to think about the journey including the Stations of the Cross.
I couldn't help thinking about St. Ignatius as I photographed this picture in my Benedictus prayer book. The same crowd that honors and praises Christ today will soon scream "Crucify Him!" in a few days. Doesn't that happen to all of us? Haven't we been praised and honored at some points in our lives only to be accused and condemned later on by the same people some of whom are those closest to us?
How do we make sense of it? Maybe we can and maybe we can't, but we can be sure of one thing. We are not alone. Jesus has experienced it before us. And what does St. Ignatius teach us? That we should be indifferent. Whether we are honored or dishonored is immaterial to doing God's will. He allows the honor; He allows the dishonor. Which is more helpful to us? Which is more likely to offer us the opportunity to become saints?
Judging from the attitude of so many canonized saints, vinegar is more useful than sugar. With respect to honor, here are the opinions of several saints:
Worldly honors are the means by which Satan gains many souls for hell. -- Saint Alphonsus Liguori
All worldly honor is the business of the devil. —St. Hilary
I would sooner see my monastery buried in the sea, than ambition or the desire of office enter it. -- Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
Do not lay too much store on the favorable judgments of men, for I love thee with a perfect love. I spent My earthly existence in humiliations and scorn and in a hidden life. It was thus that I glorified My Father, laid the foundations of My Church, and remedied the evils of pride. This is the path that thou must follow. -- Our Lord to Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa
But what do the saints tell us about dishonor?
When you suffer some dishonor from men, recognize at once the glory that will be given you by God. Then you will not be saddened or upset by the dishonor; and when you receive the glory you will remain steadfast and innocent. -- Saint Mark the Ascetic
Freedom from anger is an endless wish for dishonor, whereas among the vainglorious there is a limitless thirst for praise. -- Saint John Climacus
The man who finds fault with himself accepts all things cheerfully – misfortune, loss, disgrace, dishonor and any other kind of adversity. -- Saint Dorotheus
This week reminds us of how fickle we are, loving the Lord one minute, betraying Him the next. St. Peter was so great a man that Jesus chose him to be the first pope, and yet he betrayed Christ with an oath. How many times have we committed sins, betraying Christ and joining the mob screaming, "Crucify Him!"
This week is a reality check. If I accomplish one thing this Lent, I want to see myself in the mob and repent of my many betrayals. We've all been there and have no right to pat ourselves on the back if we have finally repented and change direction. Hopefully we are united to Mary, John, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the foot of the cross, sorrowful sinners who, like Magdalene, love Christ much now because we've been forgiven much.
Lord, don't let me waste this final week, but help me join in every blessed minute pouring my sorrow for sin into the cup of consolation the angel brought You in the garden. Keep my sins always before me to preserve me from pride. And help me to rejoice when I'm treated with contempt and dishonor recognizing that suffering accepted and welcomed is a source of atonement for my many sins.
Jesus Christ, Savior of the World, have mercy on us.
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