Cardinal Roger Mahony, Suffering Servant

Cardinal Roger Mahony, Suffering Servant February 19, 2013

Seriously?

Mark Shea drew my attention to the cardinal’s blog post yesterday, in which the archbishop of Los Angeles continues his Lenten meditation on, well, himself.

From the cardinal’s blog:

 The poem of the Suffering Servant is important for all of us who are disciples of Jesus Christ since we are called to imitate his words, actions, and life.  Part of that journey will always entail suffering from time to time.  But what makes Jesus’ suffering so different, and so important for us, is that he lived out Isaiah’s prophecy fully:  “…he did not open his mouth…”

That means never rationalizing what is happening in our lives, never protesting misunderstandings, and never getting angry because of false accusations.  And that is so difficult for us human beings.  It is certainly difficult for me on my journey.

Not opening our mouth in repudiation or backlash goes against our human nature, and against our pride.  But remaining silent after the example of Jesus leaves each accusation in the hands of our loving and forgiving God, not in the hands of other humans with varied agendas.

Read more. 


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