Soon it will be three o’clock. Jesus is still holding on, but barely. More…
The sixth word: “It is finished.” 2
Soon it will be three o’clock. Jesus is still holding on, but barely. More…
Category Archives: Spiritual Lights (Fr Jason Smith)
The fifth word: “I thirst.” Reply
Jesus is in a state bordering on total collapse. His body aches in excruciating pain; each time he pulls himself up to breath, More…
The fourth word: “Why have you forsaken me?” Reply
An hour passes. The sun is now covered by clouds, and it suddenly has become very cold. Jesus is undergoing immense suffering. More…
The third word: “Behold thy son; behold thy mother.” Reply
The curses and insults have begun to dwindle. The large crowd is no longer interested in watching Jesus die. The show is over. More…
The second word: “This day you will be with me in paradise.” Reply
We have been accompanying Christ during his passion. As if the cruelty of that was not enough, now, suddenly, a new type of scourging begins: More…
The first word: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 2
Father! Forgive Them!
Slowly, with supreme effort, using the nails in his feet as a fulcrum, he lifts himself up.
Why does he make such a painful effort? More…
A Contemplation of the Passion (Part 1) Reply
Behold the Man!
We frantically wend our way through the crowded streets and leave the walls of Jerusalem behind. Word has reached us of what happened the night before: His agony, his betrayal, his false trial; now we hear how this morning he has been scourged, beaten, mocked, and condemned to die by crucifixion. More…
Palm Sunday: “Hosanna!” “Crucify Him!” A Contradiction? 1
The Palm Sunday Liturgy opens Holy Week with two expressions:
First, “Hosanna,” which is sung at the beginning of Mass (beautifully done here by the Monks of Solesmes): More…
How My Dad Taught Me a Lenten Resolution I’d Never Forget 11
One Ash Wednesday, my dad announced to my brother and I that for Lent he would be fasting on bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays. He wondered if we would like to join him.
Aaron and I looked at each other thinking he had flipped his lid. Aaron said he’d stick to giving up arguing; I said I’d continue to refrain from hitting Aaron until Easter. With all of our resolutions on the table we were ready to begin our Lenten regimen. More…
The Story of St Patrick Reply
Fr Jason Smith
Biltrix 