When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

by Dr. M. S. Alexander, England

We are in the middle of Passion ( Kashtanubhava) week. This is a week when we are supposed to experience or endure (Anubhavam) some kind of pain or suffering (Kashtam ) in the name of our Lord. This is a week when we are supposed to survey the wondrous Cross and study the pain and suffering our Lord had to endure or experience to save us and to give us a place in Paradise just like He gave it to one of the thieves who was crucified with Him.

Is it important that every one of us should endure (anubhavam) the suffering (Kashtam)? To find an answer to this question, we should read the book of Jonah in Holy Bible. The King of Nineveh issued a proclamation for every one as follows, 

"Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock taste any thing, do not let them eat or drink .But let every man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let every one call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence."

As a result of their lent, prayer, and suffering (passion) they could save themselves and their country. There are many other examples in Bible. Jesus Himself proved that He could overcome the temptation of Satan by prayer, lent and suffering (Kashtanubhavam) in the desert. 

Of course it is true that a large number of our people are going through suffering every day of their lives either due to poverty or due to serious illnesses or due to other man made problems. Let us pray that their suffering come to an end and do what we can do to help them out. 

There are many others who knows about passion, but do not do any thing to endure any form of suffering. They come from the upper and middle class section of our church. Their interest is mainly in life after Good Friday- the celebrations of Easter with plenty of food and drinks, numerous weddings that are waiting to be celebrated after Easter...

Many may think that the story of Satan is an old one, and there is no need to be afraid of him. The truth is that Satan is more active today than at any time in the past. Jesus has taught us that we can overcome Satan only by prayer and fasting.

So, what shall we do? Let us look at the famous English Hymn,

"WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS Cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all".

That means that the Cross demands total surrender of our souls, our life, and every thing we have. Without suffering the passion week (KASHTAM ANUBHAVIKKATHA KASHTANUBHAVA WEEK) has no meaning or purpose. Let us endure and enjoy passion, and experience the Grace of a an amazing Holy Easter.

Source: IOIF

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