What Part Do We Play?

Inspirations from Fr. Nicolás Schwizer form the last weeks of Lent

We are all familiar with the dramatic readings of the Passion and Death of the Lord. Today, the Gospel is not only a history of the past. It is a living, actual revelation. It helps us to discover what is happening today between Jesus and us. It explains to us how He treats us and how we treat Him. The Gospel is like a mirror: you only have to open it to see yourself in it.

In each year’s passion, they are the same actors as at the time of Christ.

The indifferent, the cowards, the executioners...

In the first place, the indifferent: they are the tired ones, the mere spectators who do not like to get involved…..they let the others do things – but without them, these things would never get done.

When facing so many injustices and dramas, have we demonstrated that indifference?

Following are the cowards: they are the persons who, like St. Peter in difficult moments, say "we do not know this man." They are Christians who probably hear many sermons and participate in Mass every Sunday.

But when things get ugly, when there is the cross and bloodshed – they then say that they have nothing to do with Him. They do not know this man.

Who of us is also a coward at certain times?

There are also the executioners. They could not be lacking. They are the same as always – with their brutal and sadistic methods and their hearts of stone.

And we, how often have we sentenced others with our unjust judgments and our arbitrary calumnies?

Well then, who will be Veronica? Who will be Simon of Cyrene?

And not lacking is the same victim, innocent, hurting, patient. Today there are more victims than ever before: just persons who suffer, innocent persons persecuted, useless old people, orphans, prisoners throughout the world.

But let’s not go too far. In our midst are those who suffer, cry, are hungry, are sick, unemployed, they feel alone….. And in this way, Jesus, with a thousand different faces, continues in our midst and each day begins anew the way to Calvary.

And we, what part do we play? We can choose the role we like. We can do with Jesus whatever we want.

We can also see to it that there are some faithful servants, some listening hearts, some friendly faces. We can give to Jesus present in our brothers and sisters, works of mercy, compassion, solidarity and unity.

Well then, who will be Veronica? Who will be Simon of Cyrene?

In the beginning, Simon of Cyrene felt indignant and did not want to carry the cross. Little by little, his attention focused on the man walking ahead of him: that companion of his who was so patient, dignified and silent, so brave and strong in suffering.

In the beginning, he only saw the burden of the cross, but in the end, he only saw Jesus and he rejoiced that he could help him and accompany him on his way.

Dear brothers and sisters, that is the true Christian: the one who knows that he/she can never be so happy as when he/she is sharing the pain of his/her brother or sister and when he/she accepts the cross for love of the Lord. For than reason, I invite you to experience with that same spirit, Holy Week which is upon us.

• From: Fr. Nicolas preaches via Internet, N°. 56. If you wish to subscribe, comment on the text or give a testimony, write to: pn.reflexiones@gmail.com

Translation: Carlos Cantú Family Federation La Feria, Texas USA 031209