THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

I N R I
In our depictions, this is what we see nailed to the top of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.  These letters are the initials of the Latin phrase actually written; i.e. "IESVS NAZARENVS, REX IVDAEORVM."   It translates in English:  "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews".

The Roman soldiers who wrote and attached this inscription were mocking and making fun of Jesus.  They were also mocking and making fun of the Jews who followed him and believed he was the Christ or Messiah.  The Roman idea of a king did not include someone who would allow himself to be crucified.

It's difficult to blame the Jews who had never met him and were reluctant to follow Jesus.  They had been taught for hundreds of years that the one to come would be a king or ruler as they knew one.  We are fortunate to have a more complete view of who this Jesus was.  What excuse do we have for not following him?

This weekend at Catholic mass, the last week of the liturgical calendar, Jesus is celebrated as King.  Jesus, as his last work before death, forgave a criminal being crucified with him and promised him salvation in Heaven.  He required no more of the man than his believing that he was the savior.

Believe!


Have a blessed week.
🕆