Lenten Reflection Day 34 ~ Saturday of Passion Week

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (John 8:28–29):

“Jesus therefore said to them: When you shall have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself, but as the Father hath taught Me, these things I speak. And He that sent Me is with Me: and He hath not left Me alone: for I do always the things that please Him.”

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Christ speaks of His coming crucifixion: “When you shall have lifted up the Son of Man…” These words, spoken in the temple, point toward Good Friday, when the true nature of His mission would be revealed. The Cross is the moment of both humiliation and glory—the throne upon which the world would see that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Christ’s obedience shines here: “I do always the things that please Him.” Even as the shadow of the Passion looms, His love for the Father and for us never falters. This is the heart of Lent: aligning our will with God’s, even when it costs. Obedience in suffering is not weakness but the deepest strength.

We are called to echo Christ’s disposition: “I do nothing of myself…” In our actions, choices, sacrifices—do we seek only our will, or do we strive to imitate the Son’s loving obedience?

As Passiontide intensifies, we are invited to deepen our union with Christ. Let us fix our gaze on the Crucified, lifted up for our salvation. There, we come to “know that I am He”—that Jesus is Lord, Savior, and King.

Choose one concrete act of obedience today to a legitimate authority—whether a parent, superior, or the moral law of God—that challenges your will. Offer it in union with Christ’s obedience to the Father.

Saintly Insight:

St. Catherine of Siena wrote: “Obedience is the key to grace, the soul of faith, the way to the Cross, and the door to heaven.” Like Christ, she saw that pleasing the Father in all things, even in suffering, was the path to glory.

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.