I have often heard it said that there is no resurrection without crucifixion. I thought this meant we had to take the bad with the good. But that’s not right, not even close. Christ on the cross is “life giving.” It is a pouring out of unconditional love, for each of us and for humanity. He gave his life so we might have ours. A life redeemed, renewed and restored to the beauty of creation itself. Christ looked down from the cross and through the eyes of Christ crucified he said, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing.” Forgive them for what they have done and forgive them for the errors they made. Christ crucified looked horrible, seemed shameful and it appeared to be the end. It wasn’t, it was just the beginning, the beginning of new life, a life reunited and reunified with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let this sink into your heart so it may foster the love, joy and peace the Lord gives us. God bless you.