The Power of the Weakness of Christ

Tonight is Holy Thursday: the first night of the Holy Triduum, the holiest time of the Catholic year, and the commemoration of the Passion of our Lord.

This is indeed a fruitful time for spiritual reflection. One of the most striking things to consider during the Holy Triduum is how it shows the weakness of Christ – and how Christ's weakness is the source of His true power.

The weakness of Christ was never more evident than during His passion and death. Christ, after celebrating his last meal with His disciples, was betrayed by one of them, abandoned by the rest, and given a mockery of a trial. He was forced to undergo excruciating torture and death on a cross, and crucified between two thieves in ignominy.

And yet, in the midst of Christ’s weakness is revealed His incredible power. He healed the ear of one of his attackers, in the midst of being taken away by hostile foes. He prayed for His enemies on the cross, comforted His mourners, and converted a condemned man dying next to Him. Even one of his executioners was forced to admit: “This man was truly the son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

To reveal His the fullness of His power on Easter Sunday, Christ chose to suffer through the agony of Good Friday. Jesus' power was revealed by His weakness.

The incredible power of the weakness of Christ is at the heart of Christianity. Christians have been, are now, and will be scorned by the elites of the world. Christians appear frail and impotent when compared with those the world considers powerful and important.

And yet, in that weakness is our strength as Christians. Like Christ, Christians witness best when  stripped of everything but their love for Christ. The beauty of Christianity shines most when surrounded by the hatred of the world. The power of Christian love is most clear when it overcomes the pomp of earthly rulers. It is for this reason that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."

Have a blessed Holy Triduum, dear readers.