Theological Foundations new file

83 Life in Christ Matulewicz hears false accusations, calumnies and blasphemies, he tells us to admire Jesus’ silence because virtue does not seek reward on earth, but places its hopes in eternity and gives alms only for the reward of heaven. One who complains that his deeds have not been rewarded, does not comprehend the value of virtue. 89 After the terrible night which Jesus spent among the henchmen in prison, there rose the last day of His earthly life, the most important of all days that were and that were yet to come, the most important day for humanity — the day of redemption. The elders of the people, the chief priests and the scribes ordered that Jesus be taken to Pilate. They fol- lowed after Him triumphantly, but they did not enter the praetorium, so as not to cross the threshold of a pagan’s house. Thus hypocrisy takes pains to avoid minor transgressions and ignores grievous crimes. As He stood before Pilate, Jesus did not respond to the false accusations, in order to do penance for those who bring wicked accusations to court or “defend a wicked cause.” He did penance for those who abuse speech, utter slander, calumny, insults and curses about their neighbor. He also wanted to strengthen His disciples for those times when false accusa- tions would be made against them. To this day such accusations are being launched against the Holy Father, the bishops and the priests by the enemies of the Church in their papers, writings and at various meet- ings. Very often silence is the only defense in such situations. 90 Jesus was sentenced and crucified. When the light of the sun failed, the earth began to shake, and the rocks were split after His death. The people, filled with fear, scattered in every direction. Only the women with Mary, Jesus’Mother, and John, His disciple, remained at the Cross. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus’ body down from the Cross and laid it reverently in Mary’s lap. Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz tries to understand her feelings at this particular moment: “Imagine the feeling with which she raised her hands towards Jesus to let Him rest by her maternal heart. Behold the love with which she embraces and showers Him with kisses, washes His wounds with her tears, removes the thorns from His head. OMother, Most Beloved! How