By Henrit
a Frost, SSND
Good Friday night at the conclusion of the Way of the Cross at the Coliseum, Pope Francis recited a prayer that he had written – these words begin each verse of his prayer – “O Cross of Christ today we see you in. . .
The prayer starts with a heart-rending and intense reflection drawing us into an experience of our sisters and brothers, in the Global Community, who are victims of heartless, inhuman and violent suffering, in unbelievable ways. Francis includes the destruction of our “common home” as he prays. As he continues his prayer – “O Cross of Christ today we see you in. . .
Francis gives us hope as he honors countless persons and groups that are striving to illuminate the darkness of suffering and violence with their way of life.
As I reflected on the power of this prayer, I wonder sometimes if my response is to avoid the overwhelming suffering for, “what can I do about it?” Then I remember it is not just me because I am part of us because we are one.
The challenge is to see the Cross of Christ in each person, each event and to allow my heart, our hearts to break open and pour forth mercy, love and compassion to the very atmosphere of our Global Community, to the very atmosphere of where I am, where we each are – remembering we are not alone, together we have the power to heal – Jesus Face of God’s Mercy is with us.
Here is Pope Francis’ prayer.
