BY YOUR OWN HAND… (Part II) (FINAL)

Judas Iscariot was his own Accuser, Judge, and Executioner. He showed himself no mercy when confronted by the dictates of his own conscience. He was likely tormented by terrible thoughts of guilt and feelings of deep anguish in his heart. And perhaps, out of shame, he lacked the courage to seek out his Creator and Master to plead for forgiveness—and thus find healing for his tormented existence. Feeling utterly alone—hated, perhaps, by the entire world—and finding neither solace nor any way to quell his emotional suffering, he made the decision to carry out his own sentence by taking his own life WITH HIS OWN HAND.

Perhaps, at some point, many of us, when facing problems brought about by our own decisions, have become our own worst accusers, judgers, or executioners. And, devoid of any self-compassion, we constantly torment ourselves, dwelling on past mistakes or blaming ourselves for the adverse outcomes in our lives.

Instead, we should acknowledge that we are imperfect beings—frail creatures prone to error, whether consciously or unconsciously. Yet, we possess the capacity for constant reflection and the power to change or rectify our human errors with courage, love, gentleness, and humility—so that we need no longer to drag behind us the chains of pain, forged by our own hands, which we have shackled to our very existence.

I do not intend to preach religion. However, during Holy Week, it is fitting to remember that Jesus Christ suffered and died for each and every one of us, so that we might be set free from the pain and suffering that the world inflicts. This freedom is attained by acknowledging our sins or mistakes, confessing them, and rectifying whatever harm we may have caused, thereby ceasing to be cruel to ourselves and becoming, instead, our own benefactors.

It is also of paramount importance to recognize that Jesus Christ ROSE AGAIN, and that each of us may turn to Him to find comfort for our hearts and solace for our suffering. If we turn to Jesus Christ and make Him the center of our universe, He will transform our lives, help us be courageous, and enable us to flourish amidst adversity.

If we seek forgiveness—or learn to forgive others—we will find healing. If we cultivate the humility to seek professional help, we will find peace of mind. If we make restitution for, or rectify, the harm we have caused by serving others, we will find love.

If we learn to respect, value, and deeply cherish ourselves, we will find the strength and courage to overcome the past. And although the future will inevitably bring trials or adversity to surmount, let us never forget that the light of Christ will grant us Faith and Hope that will shine forth, even when our hearts ache. For only through Jesus Christ can we build a world filled with happiness—WITH OUR OWN HANDS.