When we use our reasoning ability, we see that the Crucifixion symbolizes, among other things, the human ego, continually crucified in its daily collision with our bodies, our will and other people. Along with Resurrection, reasoning speaks of the two great mysteries which are so close. It's often hard to tell them apart: suffering and love.
When we speak of suffering, I hear the stories told to me. The reality is inconvenient.
He started out by telling me that he was “back of the curtain,” and that he “took a turn,” both meaning that he was in jail – six years to be exact. “I did it all for $1.04,” which, I learned, was the cost of a beer. “One leg in and one leg out; the devil is waiting for me; I thought I even had him fooled. I”ve been too cold, too hungry, too homeless.”
Speaking of love, I then told him the story of the pots. One pot had cracks and leaked water. Water dripped to the ground, making little wild flowers grow. Thus, even imperfect pots have a role in life. We are like these pots, not perfect, but useful. In this life, there is nothing so wonderful as to be found, for I find that at the shelter, people are often invisible to one another, and especially to those not at the shelter. Faith is the continuation of reason, which is not a possession,
but a decision.
Love is the journey whose reason is
faith
though its step may be faint and
hesitating,
but though the march is long
and the courage be not strong
to its end its fulfillment is waiting.