One can not watch the Passion of the Christ without experiencing the pain inflicted upon our Savior in this movie. I also acknowledge that many folks struggle to watch it due to the graphic portrayal of the “scourging” scene. BUT, if one can get past that (and I suggest one HAS to get past it to really appreciate this movie) God will really speak to you as he did me during this scene.
First, I can not ignore the fact that our life when lived according to Jesus’ teachings without mortal sin on our conscience and fighting our venial sins can be compared to being white as snow (Psalm 51 comes to mind). When living a life of grace we are without blemish and our consciences are free! But as sin enters the picture suddenly the purity begins to receive lash marks which mars the soul. If I continue to allow sin to reign the lashes of the sins completely distort the soul where it becomes unrecognizable. So it is very difficult to not recognize the destruction that sin does to our soul if we continue to live without reconciling them. Praise God we have recourse to the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist! These very necessary tools restore the lost purity and help us to try harder not to sin in the future.
Secondly, I really personalized that scene much to my own chagrin. And it wasn’t to feel guilt or to beat myself up about my weaknesses, but to acknowledge the fact that every time I sin I inflict a lash upon the purity of my soul just as Christ took the lashing of our sins for our salvation! What a God we have…. What a loving Savior our Lord really is And man does he love me! can hardly wrap my brain around this truth: Jesus loves me more than I will ever know.
Heavenly Father, look upon my weak efforts to follow you and pour your healing balm of love on all the wounds that I have inflicted on my soul. Allow me the grace sufficient for me to grow from my failures and to help those who struggle in following you. May my efforts to serve always bring about your glory! Amen.
