but might have eternal life...

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
(from John 3:16-21)

The days of the Triduum bring to mind in a powerful way just how much Jesus loved us.  What He was willing to do so that we might enjoy eternal life with him once again in heaven.

We're not indifferent to the image of Jesus on the cross during the rest of the year, but we need the reminder that the Triduum gives in order to re-focus our sight so that we look again with fresh eyes upon his sacrifice.

And, just as importantly, we need Easter.  A friend once told me, "You can't have Easter without Good Friday."  How true!  Yet, don't most of us avoid those things that are painful, or stretching, if we can? 

Take a few moments today and thank the Lord for those times of being stretched, of being asked to move outside your comfort zone.  Jesus certainly went through much during His passion, so how can we refuse to walk in our Lord's footsteps?