Father's Reflection 12.18.22

Part Three: Rescued

Friends, Fr. Riccardo’s work, Rescued, has really impressed me. It has been the most unexpected blessing of my Advent Season (along with Bishop Barron's Light from Light). His analysis of creation, the fall, redemption, and man’s response are tremendous. I simply cannot recommend this simple work enough. 

In part three, Fr. Riccardo’s insights into Andrei Rublev’s depiction of the Trinity, analysis of the paschal mystery, and description of the passion were stirring. I have never seen anything quite like it. To think, Jesus Christ was actually on offense as He hung upon the cross. He was not a victim. He was a conquering hero. Not the prey, but an ambush predator. Luring our ancient foe, the evil one, into battle with his sacred humanity, before destroying his power from the inside out via his divinity. “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I received from my Father (Jn. 10:18).” Powerful words. Words that often forgotten as we gaze upon a crucifix. 

Friends, Jesus Christ was revealing the love of the Father upon the Cross. He was offering His life in atonement for our sin and the sins of the world. And finally, He was conquering our ancient foe. He drew him in like an ambush predator as he was offered on the cross. He destroyed the evil one, sin, death, and the power of hell from the inside out, while opening a way back to the Father. Simply extraordinary. 

Next up, man’s response.