When Saint John, who stood near Mary on Calvary, was writing later about these events, he said: "My dearest, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." A strange conclusion, It would seem at first sight. We should have expected: "If God hath so loved us, we ought also to love God." But no, John will have it his own way: our love of God is to translate itself into love of our neighbor.
There must surely be something most lovable in every man if Jesus Christ judges him to be worth what I am witnessing here today on Calvary. It is for me to penetrate and discover the secret of this divine love. Jesus Christ is a lover of souls, because every human soul is, at least potentially and often actually, a reflection of the divine beauty. Just as a piece of mirror throws back the rays of the sunshine, so does the soul, in grace, reflect the beauty of God's countenance fastened in love upon it.
This is much, but there is still more. Grace makes the soul to share in a real way in the very nature of God. We become "sharers in the divine nature," lifted up, by grace, to a status immeasurably above all the exigencies of what is due to us as human beings.
This truth is learned on Calvary. It is because of "His exceeding great charity" that Jesus is crucified; only love can account for all we see Him doing here on this hillside.
Nobody can long remain here and pray deeply, and not be stirred to make a return of love for love. But how is it to be done? By fathoming the depths of the third mighty truth taught by the dying Christ. "As long as you did it to one of these, My least brethren you did it to Me."
Is there somebody whom I refuse to forgive, somebody with whom I have not exchanged a civil word for months, perhaps for years? Is there somebody about whom I speak bitterly because I do not like him, because of his injustice or cruelty to me? It is hard to find words that will express the merit of trying to repair this breach. Perhaps there is nothing human nature shrinks from so much as to forgive, to apologize, even to make the first move when one is well aware that the other is to blame.
Jesus did not cherish any feeling of resentment, however justified it might have been. All He did was to pray for those who had crucified Him, for He well knew they were their own worst enemies.
If you were preparing for an important examination, you would be charmed to learn, in advance, one question which will certainly appear on the paper. You have the answer ready in advance, and, immediately on sitting down, if you find the expected question, you rub your hands gleefully, at once write out the answer, and comfort yourself with the assurance that for that, at any rate, you will secure full honors marks.
But we are all facing an examination. It will take place on the shore of eternity. It will be held by Jesus Christ, and He most generously lets us know, well ahead of the day, what the subject matter will be. "At eventide," says Saint John of the Cross, "they will examine thee on love." Love of God how much of it has permeated our daily lives? Love of God and how has it proved itself? By lengthy prayers or severe fasts? Not necessarily. Above all, by what we have done to our neighbor. In his soul I am to discover Jesus Christ, and to treat that neighbor of mine as I would treat Him. Often it is very difficult; often the divine image is distorted sadly, perhaps even destroyed entirely. All the more merit, then, to the man of faith whose eye penetrates through the disguise and discovers Him behind.
I shall not go through this day without finding many an opportunity of giving Him this proof of my love. "As long as you did it to one of these, My least brethren, you did it to Me."
Summary:
1. On Calvary I see sin in its true colors.
2. On Calvary I learn the need of making reparation by the "sacrament of sanctified suffering."
3. On Calvary I am reminded of the great examination on the shore of eternity, on love; and how to make sure of securing high honors.
Thought:
Sanctified suffering, like the drop of water in the chalice, is united with the sufferings of Calvary and draws down immense graces on souls.