(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)
“Ignominy” could mean public shame, disgrace, humiliation
and embarrassment. But it takes on
special meaning when applied to Jesus.
The “cloak of ignominy” refers to the public humiliation that Jesus
endured as a result of His Cross. He was
condemned as a sinner and liar. He was
charged with deceiving the people and attempting to undermine the civil
authorities. He was the object of
extreme hate and ultimate persecution by the religious leaders of His day. This was a brutal blow. If Jesus would have had the sin of pride He
would clearly not have been able to endure their scorn and mistreatment. He would have brought forth a myriad of
angels to destroy His persecutors. But
He didn’t. Instead, He endured every
humiliation with confidence and integrity.
The sufferings Jesus endured never evoked in Him even a single feeling
of hatred or revenge. In fact, from the
Cross itself He cried out, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they
do.” This powerful witness must
influence you and strengthen you to pay no attention whatsoever to the false
judgment of others. God has no concern
about false judgments and the public humiliation that these judgments impose. Embracing the “cloak of ignominy” means you
ultimately allow every worldly humiliation to dissipate before the Mercy and
truth of God (See Diary 1418).
Reflect upon this struggle within you. It requires great humility to ignore false
opinions. Seek to embrace that humility
and allow the truth to make you free.
Jesus’ “cloak” must cover you since it is ultimately a cloak of His
grace and Mercy.
Lord, I take upon myself
Your cloak of ignominy. I wear it with
confidence and trust. Help my only care
to be Your truth and to shed all other opinions that are contrary. My happiness rests in You alone, dear Lord,
and all my hope is in You. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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