Replies

Wednesday of Holy Week

Commentary of the day
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (313-350), Bishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church
Catechetical Lectures to the Newly Baptized 13, §6

“My appointed time draws near. I am to celebrate the Passover in your house”

      And wouldest thou be persuaded that he came to his passion willingly? The others, who foreknow it not, die unwillingly; but he spoke beforehand of his passion: “Behold, the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Mt 26,2). But knowest thou wherefore this Friend of man shunned not death? It was lest the whole world should perish in its sins. "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed, and shall be crucified" (Mt 20,13); and again: "He steadfastly set his face to Jerusalem" (Lk 9,51).

      And wouldest thou know certainly, that the Cross is a glory to Jesus? Hear his own words, not mine. Judas had become ungrateful to the Master of the house, and was about to betray him. Having but just now gone forth from the table and drunk his cup of blessing, in return for that draught of salvation he sought to shed righteous blood. He who ate of his bread was lifting up his heel against him...Then said Jesus: “The hour is come for the Son of man to be glorified” (Jn 12,23). Seest thou how he knew the Cross to be His proper glory?... Not that he was without glory before: for he was glorified with the glory which was before the foundation of the world (Jn 17,5). He was ever glorified as God; but now he was to be glorified in wearing the crown of his patience.

      He did not give up his life by compulsion, nor was he put to death by murderous violence, but of his own accord. Hear what he says: “I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it up again” (Jn 10,18); I yield it to my enemies of my own choice; for unless I chose, this could not be. He came therefore of his own set purpose to his passion, rejoicing in his noble deed, smiling at the crown, cheered by the salvation of humankind; not ashamed of the cross since it was to save the world.