The Hidden Glory

Today Passiontide begins, a time especially consecrated to the remembrance and loving contemplation of the sorrows of Jesus. The veiled crucifix and statues, the absence of the Gloria in the Mass and the Gloria Patri in the responsories of the Divine Office,
​the suppression of the psalm Judica me at the beginning of Mass - are all signs of mourning
by which the Church commemorates Our Lord's Passion."
​- Divine Intimacy: Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.

From now through Good Friday, Holy Mother Church focuses on the hidden glory of Jesus, a glory that the Jews of the time failed to see and a glory that we often forget to reverence. He increasingly revealed His identity (that He and the Father are One and that He had come to glorify the Father); yet, the people wished to stoned Him. He was God in the flesh, yet His flesh was scourged, torn, and bled. He was without sin, yet was sentenced to a shameful and gruesome death. He was True God and True Man, and yet was nailed upon a cross, hung like a mere object without dignity, and left to die. 

But in the midst of it all, God was glorified by the Son. This is the road He invites us to follow: the way of daily crosses. St. Paul reminds us of the reality of this way:

​"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh." - 1 Cor. 2:8-11
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Christ crucified hides within our flesh (though we pray others may see Him through us) and takes refuge within our souls. At a time when Christ seems hidden to most of the world - by the absence of daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and open Churches - and is left alone in the Tabernacles throughout the world, He summons His people to search for Him deep within their souls. He is there ... waiting. ​

Let us make reparation for all those at the time of Jesus who failed to see His glory by offering little acts of love, reverence, and devotion. Let us contemplate the sorrows of Jesus as His time grew nearer. Let us love the Sacred Heart that wished for all to know the Father, but was left rejected and unloved. Let us contemplate the Man of Sorrows Who glorified the Father "by accepting death, even death upon a cross." 

May we spend these remaining two weeks of Lent drawing closer and keeping company the suffering heart of Christ, uniting with Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. 

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Vexilla Regis
Hymn sung at Vespers at Passiontide to Holy Thursday
Click here  to listen

1. Vexilla Regis prodeunt:
Fulget Crucis mysterium,
Qua vita mortem pertulit,
Et morte vitam protulit.

2. Quae vulnerata lanceae
Mucrone diro, criminum
Ut nos lavaret sordibus,
Manavit unda et sanguine.

3. Impleta sunt quae concinit
David fideli carmine,
Dicendo nationibus:
Regnavit a ligno Deus.

4. Arbor decora et fulgida,
Ornata Regis purpura,
Electa digno stipite
Tam sancta membra tangere.

5. Beata, cuius brachiis
Pretium pependit saeculi:
Statera facta corporis,
Tulitque praedam tartari.

6. O Crux ave, spes unica,
Hoc Passionis tempore
Piis adauge gratiam,
Reisque dele crimina.

7. Te, fons salutis Trinitas,
Collaudet omnis spiritus:
Quibus Crucis victoriam
Largiris, adde praemium. Amen.

1. Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross's mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.

2. Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious Water mixed with Blood.

3. That which the Prophet-King of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a Tree.

4. O lovely and reflugent Tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those Limbs which sanctified were.

5. Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that Body weigh
Which raised up hell's expected prey.

6. Hail, Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
Now in this mournful Passion time,
Improve religious souls in grace,
The sins of criminals efface.

7. Blest Trinity, salvation's spring,
May every soul Thy praises sing;
To those Thou grantest conquest by
The holy Cross, rewards apply. Amen.