The Passion and the Mystery of the Cross
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we stand at the foot of the Cross. We behold the Bridegroom of the Church, the Lamb of God, suspended between heaven and earth. The King of Glory wears a crown of thorns. The Creator of all is nailed to the wood He Himself fashioned. The Immortal One dies for our sake.
How can we grasp this mystery? The One who spoke the universe into being now speaks but seven words from the Cross. The hands that formed Adam from the dust are pierced. The feet that walked upon the waters now drip with blood. And yet, in this terrible moment, salvation unfolds.
“Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight.”
In the Matins of Holy Friday, we sing of Christ as the Bridegroom. His Passion is not only suffering—it is also love. Christ, the Divine Bridegroom, lays down His life for His Bride, the Church. From His pierced side flows the water and blood, the signs of baptism and the Eucharist, the sacraments that give us life. He withholds nothing from us, giving even His final breath so that we may live.
“It is finished.”
These words, spoken by Christ as He surrenders His spirit, are not words of defeat but of fulfillment. The law and the prophets have been fulfilled. The debt of sin has been paid. The work of our salvation is accomplished. And yet, the mystery does not end here.
In a few moments, we will venerate the Holy Shroud, placing before us the image of the Crucified Lord. We will see the One whom they have pierced, wrapped in burial cloth, lying in the tomb. It is a moment of sorrow but not despair. For even in death, Christ is victorious. Even in the tomb, He is at work, harrowing hell, shattering the gates of Hades, and preparing to trample death by death.
The Mystery of the Cross
Brothers and sisters, the Cross is not just an event of the past. It stands before us even now. Christ’s suffering calls us to repentance. His love calls us to surrender our lives to Him. His sacrifice calls us to take up our own crosses and follow Him.
On this solemn day, let us not rush ahead to the joy of Pascha too soon. Let us remain here, at the Cross, with the Theotokos and the Beloved Disciple. Let us weep for our sins. Let us contemplate the depths of His love. And let us prepare our hearts to receive the light that will break forth from the tomb.
For soon, very soon, the darkness will be scattered. Soon, the victorious cry will be heard:
“Christ is risen!
To Him be glory forever.
Amen.
