The Lord Jesus’ arms are open wide to persons with disabilities, and His Body, The Church, makes this tangible on earth.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Thursday evening is really Friday morning- anticipated. There are twelve passion gospel readings; after the fifth gospel reading- by which time all is dark- a Cross and an icon of Christ crucified, with arms open wide, is carried in procession through the sanctuary and attached to the solea in the front of the sanctuary. And there Christ is “nailed” to the Cross, for us.
And with us, for we are nailed to the Cross with Him.
Having participated in Christ’s sufferings together, in heart, mind, and body- a call to do so in all of our life- we leave, quietly, reflectively. It is the end of a day, but not the end of the Story. . . . .
Just as disability is not the end of anyone’s story.
“Through the Cross joy has come into all the world!
“Before Thy Cross, we bow down and worship, and Thy holy Resurrection we praise and glorify!”
