Tuesday of Holy Week
"Fac cor nostrum
secundum cor tuum" is a Latin phrase meaning "Make our hearts like
Yours". Derived from the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it centers
the call of this year's Lenten journey as spoken by the Holy Father, Pope
Francis.
At first glance, the
readings today almost seem contradictory. Isaiah 49: 6 states, "I will
make you a light to the nations..." On the other hand, the Gospel of John
foretells the infamous denial by Peter, who would later become the Rock of the
Church. Why is that these two readings today are spoken especially as a prelude
to the holiest week of the year? This ironic juxtaposition literally crucifies us in the decision of if we
are going to follow Christ or keep going through our mistakes without
repentance or second thought. For me, it forces me to reflect on how and if my
thoughts and actions have allowed Christ's light to shine through me.
How often have I chosen to judge?
How much have my own insecurities afflicted others?
I think the best
imagery that I could communicate this allegorical crucifixion is imagining myself
being completely immobilized by stakes of doubt and fear at my throat- cutting
off my sense of rationality- but I know simply kicking at the base of one of
the stakes would free me from this prison. So, do I stay immobilized in my cage
of doubt and fear and use them as comfortable crutches? See, we are at a
crossroads between decisions. Do I find security in my doubt and fear? Or do I
find it in God?
Regardless, we have to
realize that there is hope. There is always hope. Every Peter in us has this
gift of hope for the taking.
It is in the Lord that
we take refuge (Ps 71:1). It is He who has called us from birth and in our
mother's womb He gave us our name (Is 49:1). The significance of naming is a
motif that has also been seen in Genesis when Adam names all of creation. Naming
creates ownership and a sense of care. Thus, we are His, and we are moved and
stirred in the hearts crafted by Him to turn to Him and find "recompense
with my God" (Is 49:4). The season of Lent always starts with Ash
Wednesday, and we are quickly coming to the "big event." The
anticipation is building- just like Christmas! Staying within our crucifixion
or believing through Jesus' Crucifixion gives our hearts formation for the
better or worse in preparation for the Resurrection.
Now, reflect back to
the beginning of Lent.
Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall
return.
Connect the puzzle.
Remember that you belong to God and to God you shall
return.
Hear His call.
Remember to turn your hearts to God and your heart
will be like His.
Anne Yoon is a junior majoring in Chemistry and serves as a Resident Advisor for the Diversity & Unity Learning Community housed in the Griesedieck Complex.
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