Crown of Thorns, Crown of Glory

“Corona” means “crown,” and given the way the coronavirus is disrupting our lives, parish, community, nation, and the whole world, it may feel as though it has been crowned king. But Jesus Christ is still King of the Universe. After enduring the mockery of a crown of thorns, He is now “crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death” (Hebrews 2:9). Our Lady united her sufferings with our Lord’s, and as a reward she was crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Likewise, we are promised that “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

This is GOoD Friday. GOoD for us. It is also GOD Friday. This is the day when GOD becomes closer to us than ever. GOD, in Jesus, shares the final step with us in the transition from this earthly life to the next. We are given the opportunity to be in a new, saved relationship with a GOD Who has chosen to live among us and die with us – die instead of us – die that we might have new life, new relationship with a forgiving, loving, and saving GOD. This “end” is not the end but the beginning of eternal life for Jesus – and for us.

Let us remind ourselves that Christ reigns as King of our lives and of all creation. Nothing can change that, including the coronavirus. Let us pray and fast for everyone effected by the pandemic, imploring our Lady’s intercession in our homes and our parish. Let us do what we can to serve our suffering neighbors in union with our suffering Savior. If we persevere together, Christ will transform our crown of thorns into a crown of glory.

With prayers & in Christ,

Fr. Joe Davanzo

Pastor