A Deeper Weight: Reflections on The Passion of the Christ
Last night, I watched The Passion of the Christ once again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it—but something was different this time.
As I grow older and continue to invest in my spiritual journey, each scene hits deeper. The weight of Christ’s suffering settles heavier on my heart. It pains me. It makes me cry. It brings overwhelming sorrow to see Jesus suffer—because of me.
And yet, in the midst of that sorrow, I’m drawn into reflection.
Where were the people who celebrated Him on Palm Sunday?
Why were they absent on Good Friday?
As humans, are we really so easily swayed?
Were they afraid to face the same condemnation?
Whatever their reasons, the image of Christ—portrayed so powerfully by Jim Caviezel—embracing the cross brought me to tears again. My heart broke as He hugged the cross and willingly entered into His passion. He chose it. For us. For me.
Then came Simon of Cyrene. Watching him help Jesus carry the cross, I found myself asking—what was going through his mind? What did he see in Jesus’ eyes? Did he believe? Was he changed forever? Scripture says little about him afterward, but Romans 16:13 mentions a man named Rufus—believed by many to be his son. It makes me wonder: Did Simon become a true follower?
It struck me that Simon had a choice. He could have resisted. But instead, he helped carry the cross. That, in itself, is a powerful image of discipleship—of what it means to “take up our cross and follow Him”. That realization pierced my heart.
Being a follower of Christ isn’t easy. For the past 16 years, I’ve served in my community, and I know the struggles, the crosses we carry—both personal and communal. Yet, even in the difficulty, I rest in this truth: Jesus has already won the battle.
One moment that especially stood out was what I now call “my second last word”—Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief:
“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
There is “kilig” as I hear and re-reflect these words now… The characters seem to show how I envision it from the bible text. Made me curious now, how The Chosen will reprise it. This year, I was privileged to reflect more deeply on this during St. Mary’s Church Lenten Retreat. If you haven’t yet, I invite you to check out the full video: Second Last Words of Christ – Words of Assurance, Hope & Immediate Salvation.
As I write this, I carry these reflections in my heart.
I think of Mary, keeping all these things in her heart, even as she wiped her Son’s precious blood from the ground.
I think of John, standing at the foot of the Cross, witnessing such pain, and then experiencing unimaginable joy just three days later.
I think of the other Apostles, and the guilt they must have carried, not being there for their Master in His darkest hour.
But above all, I carry the pain that Jesus endured—for me.
And I pray: May His precious blood continue to protect me through life’s daily battles. May it be my saving grace.
I pray for you, dear creatives—may this Good Friday be more than just a moment.
May it be a new beginning. May you find Christ in your heart and carry His love in all that you create and do.
Amping ug Ampo.
God bless!
