Lent with the Early Church Fathers Day 34

Day 34

Lent with the Early Church Fathers

A daily post from Tom Bandy 

Based on Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers (Eds. Christopher D. Hudson, J. Alan Sharrer, and Lindsay Vanker: Hendrickson Press, 1999) 

Easter reflection 

Lactantius 

Does it please you to go through all My pain and to experience grief with Me? Then consider the plots against Me and the irrelevant price of My innocent blood. Consider the disciples pretended kisses, the crowd’s insults and abuse, and, even more, the mocking blows and accusing tongues. Imagine the false witnesses, Pilate’s cursed judgment, the immense cross pressed on My shoulders and tired back, and My painful steps to a dreadful death. 

Study Me from head to foot. I am deserted and lifted high up above my beloved mother. See My hair clotted with blood, and my head encircled by cruel thorns. For a stream of blood is pouring down like rain on all sides of My Divine Face. Observe My sunken, sightless eyes and My beaten cheeks. See My parched tongue that was poisoned with gall. My face is pale with death. Look at My hands that have been pierced with nails and My drawn-out arms. See the great wound in My side and the blood streaming from it. Imagine My pierced feet and blood-stained limbs.  

Then bow, and with weeping adore the wood of the cross. With a humble face, stoop to the earth that is wet with innocent blood. Sprinkle it with tears and carry Me and My encouragement in your devoted heart. 

TGB: The personalized description of Jesus’ death on the cross is all the more poignant when you consider that Lactantius suffered through the persecutions of Diocletian and later celebrated the accession of Constantine … a complete reversal of both political and popular perceptions of Christianity. The cross was a powerful symbol for strength and hope.