Not just another guilt trip

Today's Gospel reading presents a striking image: The almighty God appearing utterly powerless.

- FR. ROLANDO Y. DELA ROSA, O.P.

It challenges the common assumption that power lies in the ability to control or dominate others by force. Although God is omnipotent, He did not use force to carry out His plan of redemption.

Instead, He chose to embrace vulnerability and suffering, revealing that true power is found in the willingness to suffer for and with others.

Through His supreme act of self sacrifice, Jesus shows us that since sorrow is as much a part of life as joy, the goal is not to escape suffering but to transform it. He gave us a model to follow, turning the cross-an instrument of torture and shame symbol of hope and resurrection. In choosing the path of powerlessness, Jesus turned what seemed like an epic fail into His greatest triumph.

As St. Paul wrote, the crucified Christ reveals "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:23ff).