So far this Lent, my reflections have focused on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary. Those mysteries recall moments in the suffering of Jesus that are at the center of our prayer and our penance during the Lenten time leading up to Holy Week.

 

The reason that these moments are so meaningful as mysteries of the rosary and as Lenten reflections is that they remind us of the personal suffering of Jesus. Even more, they move our hearts to recall that Jesus suffered not just for the sins of the human race in general but for the sins of each one of us. That means of course that each of us is moved to say, “He suffered for my sins.”

 

After reflecting on the first two Sorrowful Mysteries, the Agony in the Garden and the Scourging at the Pillar, we now consider the Third Mystery. That is the Crowning of Thorns.

 

At this point in His suffering Jesus has already been flogged and is bloodied in a terrifying fashion. He has been the recipient of a sadistic ritual of hatred that demonstrates the struggle between good and evil, and the full weight of sinfulness before the goodness of the Son of God. 

 

Having finished the scourging, the soldiers mock Jesus for what became the central twisted allegation for His crucifixion. That is that He claimed to be a King in competition with Caesar.

 

As a result, they vest Him in a purple garment, place a reed in His hand and furnish Him with the horrible kingly crown of thorns. That was probably what amounted to a cap made of a thorny plant pushed deeply into the scalp to cause even more pain.

 

We might reflect that the soldiers, even in their cruelty, actually highlight the truth that Jesus is our King. Although they have no faith, the soldiers actually witness to reality itself. 

 

The world needs to know that the Kingdom of God that Jesus came to tell us about is at hand. It is the coming and unending reality that each of us must choose for or against. And that Kingship of Jesus is related to the Catholic Church and to our faith.

 

Often the modern acceptance of Jesus as King in our lives is tepid or even lacking. In some cases, people completely abandon their faith and walk away. We need to pray for the return of these prodigal sons and daughters.

 

Others, however, have a soft commitment to the Kingship of Jesus. How easy it becomes for us to acknowledge Him with our words but have a faith that is part time, accepting His easy commands and avoiding what does not please us.

 

We might reflect on these questions this Lent: are there parts of the faith where I am separated from the Church? Do I hold back from giving myself fully to Christ in my moral or spiritual life? If so, I need to change that I can accept the Kingship of Jesus fully.

 

As always, such thoughts lead us to prepare our hearts for the sacrament of confession where our sins our forgiven. It is the continuation of the forgiveness that comes from the suffering and death of Christ.

 

Please don’t forget that our diocesan Be Reconciled Day is Wednesday, April 1. Mark it on your calendar as all of our parishes will be hearing confessions throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you have been away from confession for a long time this is the perfect occasion to return.

 

Christ is the King who suffered and died for us. Lent is the moment to seek His forgiveness.