Christ on the Cross revealed His power when He forgave those who crucified Him; He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23: 34) He led the thief on His right hand to believe in Him (Luke 23: 39-43) and He was concerned with the care of His mother, the Holy Virgin St. Mary (John 19: 26-27).

When Christ yielded His spirit, the veil of the temple was torn, the earth quaked, the rocks were split, the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised (Matt. 27: 51-52) This caused the centurion and those with him to believe in Christ, "So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God." (Matt. 27: 54)

The death of Christ on the Cross freed mankind from bondage to Satan, released those captives in Hades who remained on hope (Eph. 4: 9&10) and opened the gates of Paradise to mankind.

During the journey of Holy Pascha Week, we praise our suffering Christ and glorify our powerful Christ saying, "Thine is the power, the glory, the blessing, the majesty forever." May our Lord, Who accepted suffering for our sake by His own will and defeated death, grant us the grace to experience sharing His suffering, so we may share His glory. May we always feel His power, which protects us and guards us. To Him is due all glory forever. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Jesus died for you so live for him.