By “Before we can experience the Glory we must experience the power that brought it; Christ did not first ascend in Glory but first ascended in Love; it is the Power of Love which brings the Glory.”
Bishop Gerald Barbarito, Good Friday address, 2 April 2021
John’s account of Christ’s Passion is the only one of the four gospels which places the Lord’s Mockery with the Guards, Crowning of Thorns, and Scourging at the Pillar during the context of his time under Pilate’s house. Each of the other Gospels places them as coming before or after. It is within these events that John makes clear it is Jesus who is revealing himself to Pilate as the one with all authority; it is Jesus who is the Just Judge, and it is Pilate who is actually on trial. John makes this clear when he states how Pilate sat him on the “Judge’s Bench” in the place called Stone Pavement. Pilate himself acknowledges that it is Jesus who sits as Judge and Pilate, through his dialogue with the King “What is Truth?”, has offered his plea: Pilate is guilty of choosing the power of this world over the power of Love. He makes his decision to crucify Christ out of loyalty to Caesar and the world’s political structure rather than accept the Truth which Christ offers him, which is that Love is the true Authority that rules over all worlds. “Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’” Like the Jews, who also rejected Truth and represent the Body of Believers who deny the power of the Messiah, Pilate represents the world who rejects the same power. Now the church and the world have rejected him, which is why Christ established a new Church at the Last Supper, His Church; a Church with a high priest who represents the authority which governs all Creation and Apostles who represent the new priests who will safe guard its precepts throughout the ages through Apostollic Succession and the Magisterium and the Doctrine of Faith, in which Christ institutes as his highest Law: the Law of Love. “I give you a new commandment, to Love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.” THIS IS THE LAW Pilate rejects.
THIS IS THE LAW the Jews reject.
THIS IS THE LAW the Apostles and Saints and all the martyrs in Heaven have died to defend and maintain for the last 2,000 years.
DEAR SOULS ON EARTH, what will you decided THIS DAY? Will you decide for Love or will you decide for Glory apart from Love? Will you decide for mercy against those who deny the Truth, a charity and virtue which can only be born from Love, or will you decide for politics and choices that bend to political correctness which often have little to do with loving one’s neighbor. Be wise gentle fellows, and do not be foolish as Pilate was this day, for there is no Glory apart from Love. Even on his worst day, Jesus revealed himself as the Truth, the Way and the True Authority over the judges of earth. The Just Judge reminds us on this Good Friday to make your plea on the side of Love, CHOOSE LOVE and you will indeed see the Glory!
GOOD Friday. Because Love is Good. And it reigns forever and ever. Amen.
🔥🔥🔥 Excellent words from the Bishop tonight! If you keep calling out for the Glory be sure you’re open to the power of Love to take you there.
A blessed Triduum and joyful Easter to each of you!
Until the Day dawns…
EARLY BIRD Ends April 30th and
Registration Closes July 14th
