Day 35: Look Upon the One They Have Pierced

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 8:21–30

Again Jesus said to them: “I am going away; you will look for Me and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”

The Jews said to one another, “Will He kill Himself? Is that what He means by saying, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?”

Jesus went on: “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I have told you already: You will die in your sins. Yes, if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

So they said to Him, “Who are you?”

Jesus answered: “What I have told you from the outset. About you I have much to say and much to condemn. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have learned from Him I declare to the world.”

They failed to understand that He was talking to them about the Father.

So Jesus said: “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of Myself: what the Father has taught Me is what I preach; He who sent Me is with Me, and has not left Me to Myself, for I always do what pleases Him.”

As He was saying this, many came to believe in Him.

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Reflection:

In these final days of Lent, we are invited to draw close to the mystery of Christ’s suffering and self-offering. Jesus speaks of being “lifted up”—pointing not only to the physical crucifixion, but to the deeper mystery of His love poured out. When the Son of Man is lifted up, then we shall know who He truly is.

This Gospel speaks to all of us who struggle with understanding, with surrender, with trust. How often do we, like the crowd, wrestle with Jesus’ words—questioning, misunderstanding, resisting? And yet, even in the midst of our confusion, Jesus reveals the way to truth: the cross.

To gaze upon the cross in prayer is not merely to look—it is to listen. It is to enter the silence where Christ speaks most profoundly. It is to say, “Jesus, help me to receive the mystery of Your love. Teach me to trust You, to live in Your love, and to be conformed to You.” This is not just a moment of reflection—it is an invitation to communion. As we contemplate the crucifix, especially in these final days of Lent, we see not only the depth of Christ’s suffering, but the measure of His love. And with Jesus, we are invited to surrender ourselves to the loving will of the Father—trusting, as He did, that even suffering is not the end, but the beginning of glory.

St. John of the Cross once wrote:

“The soul that walks in love neither tires others nor grows tired.”
(Sayings of Light and Love, 97)

Abba Theodore of Pherme offers us this simple but piercing word:

“If you love God, you will be ready for trials.”
(Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Theodore of Pherme 6)

Love and trust are not measured by sentiment, but by perseverance. Christ’s love did not waver on the cross—and He offers that same grace to us. Perhaps today, you can take a moment to physically hold a crucifix in your hands. If one is on your wall, take it down and sit with it. If it’s around your neck, lift it close to your heart. And if you do not yet have one, consider seeking one out—a crucifix to hold in prayer, to gaze upon in silence.

Let that be today’s practice: to hold the cross not only with our hands, but with our hearts. To contemplate its mystery and beauty. To let Christ speak, not just to our minds, but to our souls. If you want to know how much the Father loves you—gaze upon the cross.

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Reflection Questions:

1.What does the cross reveal to you about the love of Christ?
2.Are there areas of your life where trust in the Father’s will is difficult?
3.How can you make space today to gaze on the cross and listen more deeply to what Christ is saying to your heart?

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Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You were lifted up in love for the life of the world. Teach us to stay with You beneath the cross—not in fear, but in faith. Help us to trust in Your love, to receive it anew, and to surrender more deeply to the Father’s will. May the cross be not just a sign of suffering, but a fountain of grace. Let us never turn away from so great a love.

Amen.