The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Bernard Collar SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Saturday 5th Week of Lent
Introduction
As Holy Week draws near, the drama thickens. The Gospel shows us the plot against Jesus becoming clearer. Caiaphas declares: “It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish” (John 11:50). The die is cast. Jesus braces Himself for the fulfillment of the Father’s will. Like the psalmist’s prayer, His heart is ready: “My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready” (Psalm 57:7).
Christ’s Way: No Violence
One lesson stands out: Christ did not counter violence with violence. When He withdrew from the crowd, it was not to gather weapons or rally an army. As some films portray, even His disciples wrestled with the temptation to fight for liberation. But Jesus chose another way — the way of the Servant of Yahweh, fulfilling the Father’s will through obedience and love.
Violence only begets violence. But on the cross, violence met its end. In Christ’s death, the spiral of hatred and revenge was broken. His sacrifice was not weakness, but the transformation of suffering into saving love.
Our Call
Would that we learn from Him to stop the widening spiral of violence in our own lives — in our families, communities, and nations. The cross teaches us that true victory is not won by force, but by love.
Conclusion
As we approach Holy Week, let us enter into Christ’s passion with hearts ready to embrace His way. May we see in His cross the final word on violence, and in His resurrection the triumph of peace.
“Lord Jesus, teach me to resist the temptation of violence. May Your cross inspire me to choose love, forgiveness, and peace.”
