Christ’s sufferings show me how I should live my life. Who am I to complain or question if Jesus himself who is God, pure and holy, was tortured for the sake of me and humanity. It teaches me how to face life with love and compassion toward others despite the uncertain- ty of how they will treat me. For me the thing that matters is how certain I am with my God. His sufferings inspire me to face all the pain that comes in my life with full of hope and faith to the Father. They reminded me that no matter how hard life may seem, at the end it will be all right because he will work everything out for me. I don’t know how to put it in words but I can find joy facing storms in my life knowing God is with me. Above all, his suffering teaches me to live in humility as he humbled himself on the Cross for our sake.
—Sherlyn Galvez
When tribulations are too overpowering, dreams are shattering and grief and misery are too painful to bear, I reflect on Jesus’ sufferings and I am both humbled and comforted. Who am I that Jesus suffered for me?
Now I grieve so much for the loss of a loved one. The excruciating pain cuts deep into the heart and no amount of tears could express the sorrow of losing someone so dear. Yet when I am looking at the bloodied face of the suffering Jesus I am comforted with his promise of seeing my loved one in heaven as he told a sinner crucified with him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). When my life is full of misery Jesus’ sufferings showed me that life is a mystery. As a follower of Christ I don’t completely understand why things happen the way they do, I just accept the truth that things happen for a reason. Jesus accepted the sufferings in order to accomplish his mission. I too must accept, no matter how difficult and painful it could be, and move on with life towards the fulfillment of my goals.
— Fatima Palmes
The Passion of Jesus depicts the merciful love of God. Jesus in his sufferings shows me how to handle situations and how to deal with people around me. I am encouraged and strengthened to stand firm in my faith in Jesus. No matter how heavy problems are, I must face them and trust that solutions will be found in due time. When I look up to Jesus’ sufferings, I learn patience and tolerance for my goals. In times of sickness and fear I draw endurance, courage and hope through my faith and prayers. On the other hand, I should be grateful yet humble in times of success, owing it all to God who makes things possible.
Jesus prayed during his suffering on the Cross. He asked the Father to forgive his murderers when they mocked and insulted him. I am prompted to be kind, more compassionate, more forgiving to those who are less lovable.
— Juliet Porral
During those times when bitter experiences in my life that came one after the other, I felt an inner anger as I had to carry all the burdens in my life. I wanted to question God’s existence and blame him for leaving me alone in such a dilemma. Then one day as I gazed at the crucifix, seeing Jesus’ body all covered with blood and wounds because of my sins, I felt so remorseful. Jesus fell three times because of the heavy weight of the Cross on his shoulders and the loss of blood brought about by the scourge. He taught me to work with endurance, to be understand- ing and compassionate instead of being too strict and complaining. Recalling his kindness to the penitent thief nailed beside him as he invited him to go to heaven, I told myself I should not be unforgiving if Jesus in great pain could forgive.
—Josefina Salvador
Jesus fell several times in carrying his Cross. It reminds me to carry my own crosses, to rise up from the fall or failures and resist the temptation of giving up. I may be tired of hard work and other difficulties in my life but when I look up to Jesus I am encouraged to start again, with more focus on the purpose of my plans and hope for the success of my dreams. When pain and sorrows are overwhelming and unbearable in my life, I give them up to Jesus, I find comfort as I learn from his total surrender to God the Father when he said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). From my past experiences, I learned that true happiness is found in following the ways of Christ. I am imperfect and only Jesus can heal and fix my countless imperfections.
— Janice Son
