During Holy Week, we recall a week of extreme suffering, pain, and trauma for Jesus. As we reflect on Jesus' sufferings, we too may be having an extremely difficult week. As we look at our lives, we may feel we have "toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent" our strength (Is 49:4). Like Jesus, we may grow "deeply troubled" (Jn 13:21). We are tempted to let Satan enter our hearts (see Jn 13:27), or we are broken-hearted because others have let Satan enter their hearts. Spiritually speaking, we may be going through the night (see Jn 13:30) of spiritual warfare where the prince of darkness (see Eph 6:12) seems to be reigning.

When Jesus suffered all this distress and Judas had left to betray Him (Jn 13:31), Jesus did not cower in fear or have a pity party. Rather, He proclaimed: "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him. [If God has been glorified in Him,] God will, in turn, glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him soon" (Jn 13:31-32). In the deeper holiness which we are receiving this Holy Week, let us proclaim with Jesus that, especially in the midst of terrible suffering, God the Father will be glorified through our lives. "In His temple all say, 'Glory!' " (Ps 29:9)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000