The Resurrection That Reframes Our Struggles

Holy Week is one of the most deeply rooted seasons in the Christian life. Why? Because it is meant to change us personally. It should.

After a week of reflection, we may still find ourselves slipping back into old ways—too much hypocrisy, too little grace. But who are we to judge, when we ourselves are sinners in need of mercy?

The Crucifixion

Our Lord Jesus’ crucifixion reminds us how small our own complaints can be. When we remember what He endured, we have no right to minimize the crosses and trials we carry.

He suffered:

• 39 lashes

• Three nails

• The walk to Golgotha - he walked 600–650 yards from the Praetorium to Golgotha

• The heavy crossbeam - 75-125 pound crossbeam

• Sour wine mixed with gall

• The crown of thorns

• Public mockery

Jesus was scourged by the Romans, and history does not fully record the severity of what He endured. But even without every detail, we can imagine the excruciating pain as we close our eyes and weep over our own transgressions.

Human Frailty

Isaiah 53:7

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.”

There are moments in life when we endure abuse—at home or abroad—and choose silence because we are trying to provide for our families.

You may hate your job and want to leave, yet you stay because your family depends on you. You say little, but you continue to go to work every day.

There are also times when even family members disrespect you—treating you like a maid, expecting you to clean up the mess while they sit comfortably elsewhere. Money may be left behind, but the boundaries have already been broken.

For decades, many leaders have carried out greed and subtle oppression. In a country where most people are Catholic, it is painful to see some public servants choose wealth over God’s commandments. They pursue the riches of this world while rejecting the eternal riches God has prepared.

People speak, and then fall silent. Yet the voice of the people remains: Vox populi, vox Dei — the voice of the people is the voice of God.

When we are heartbroken, the pain lingers even when we try to be strong. How much more must God’s only begotten Son have suffered on the cross? His love became the very reason for hatred and pain, yet He still surrendered fully to the Father’s will.

Our brokenness becomes God’s opportunity to offer salvation once again, for He never gives up on His love for His chosen ones.

The Resurrection

Easter Sunday reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead — that Jesus, our Lord, is our only hope of new life. The resurrection is the sign of God’s unconditional love.

As Christians, it is our role to spread the Word and live out our faith. Perhaps this is the shift we need: more people focusing on sharing God’s love.

Sometimes, we speak no more and let God fight our battles. Let the world know what God has done.