Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ Crucified!
Without the Cross there is no Resurrection; without Good Friday we cannot have Easter Sunday. As we begin Passion (Holy) Week, our eyes focus on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ our Savior. By His death we have been redeemed. Jesus purchased our freedom on Calvary as He made atonement to the Father for our sins. By His wounds we are healed (Is. 53:5).
Our fallen human nature recoils at the prospect of suffering. But Jesus has made suffering a means of holiness. When we unite our suffering with the suffering of Jesus it makes us like Him. Our suffering has infinite value when we give it to Jesus.
On the Cross Jesus showed us the power of suffering. He took our sins with Him when He went to the Cross. Have ultimate confidence in Jesus because He died for our sins. Now we can follow Him in our sufferings with hope that we will participate in His salvation and victory over the grave.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 