The Lord Christ in the Final Weeks of His Incarnation on Earth
The General Message of the Lecture
This lecture discusses the deep love of the Lord Christ for His disciples during the final weeks of His incarnation on earth, and how His divine care appeared despite His approaching suffering and crucifixion, focusing on strengthening their faith, comforting them, and preparing them to carry the mission of the Church after Him.
Summary
- Love unto the End
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the meaning of the Gospel phrase: “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end,” clarifying that this divine love has no limits and was clearly manifested in Christ’s relationship with His disciples. - Care for the Disciples Amid Suffering
Despite His complete knowledge of the time, manner, and place of His crucifixion, the Lord Christ was not occupied with Himself but focused on protecting His disciples from sorrow, doubt, and loss of faith. - Conscious Preparation for Death
Christ advanced toward death with full courage and free will, affirming that He lays down His life by Himself and that no one takes it from Him by force. - Comfort and Hope
He reassured His disciples by foretelling the cross and the resurrection, promising them a joy that no one can take away, and that He is going to prepare a place for them. - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who abides in them and reminds them of all that He said, strengthening them in their spiritual and ministerial journey. - Establishing the New Church
In the final week, He abolished the old religious leadership and prepared the way for His disciples to lead the new Church without obstacle or competition. - Farewell Gatherings and Giving
He spent long hours with them in farewell meetings, washed their feet, delivered to them the sacrament of the Eucharist, and prayed for them in a deeply moving prayer, asking the Father to preserve them in faith and love. - Bearing the Weakness of the Beloved
Although He knew they would become weak and flee, He bore their weakness with love, prayed for them, and did not abandon them, just as He Himself was not abandoned by love. - Love That Embraces All
His love continued even on the cross, as He cared for those who crucified Him, for the right-hand thief, for His Virgin Mother, for Saint John the Beloved, and for all who had reposed in hope. - Strengthening Faith After the Resurrection
After the resurrection, He appeared to His disciples to heal their doubts, because they were the chosen ones to spread the faith, and one who lacks faith cannot give it to others.
Spiritual Conclusion
Christ is a heart that loves beyond all limits, bears human weakness, forgives, descends to the frailty of our nature to strengthen it, and makes His love a source of salvation and steadfastness for all who follow Him.
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