11- THE CRUCIFIXION
		
		
		The event of the Crucifixion leads us into the greatest 
		expression of the divine mystery of love. "There is no 
		greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's 
		friend." (Jn. 15: 14) We can only approach the Crucifixion
		with awe and wonder at God's condescension. "And it was 
		thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even 
		death, death on a cross!" (Phil. 2: 8) 
		
		
		The Icon of the Crucifixion presents the entire event. 
		The city is seen in the background, and at the foot of 
		the cross is a dark place representing "the place of the 
		skull." All creation was moved by Christ's death. Scripture
		tells us that at the time of our Lord's death the sun and 
		the moon were darkened. These are portrayed by two dark 
		circles to the left and the right of our Lord. Above our 
		Lord's head was placed the inscription, "Jesus Christ, 
		King of the Jews." In many icons this is written, under 
		the light of grace, to read: "The King of Glory." 
		
		
		For the most part, Byzantine art does not concentrate on 
		depicting material human reactions or feelings. Rather, 
		the icon strives to depict the deeper spiritual reality 
		with the insight of grace. Whenever we refer to the 
		Crucifixion we never see it apart from our Lord's 
		Resurrection. For this reason the inscription on the 
		armrest of many icons of the Crucifixion reads, "We bow 
		to Your cross, O Lord, and we praise Your holy 
		resurrection." Our prayer on Great and Holy Friday looks 
		upon the cross as a saving event. We, too, stand before 
		the cross of Christ and enter this event. 
		
		
		VESPER HYMN -O Savior of All, when for mankind You were 
		placed in a new tomb, Hades, which ever mocked You, was 
		terrified when it saw You. The bonds were shattered, the 
		gates were broken, the graves opened, and the dead arose. 
		Adam joyfully called out to You: "Glory to Your 
		condescension, 0 Lover of Mankind."
	

		I honor my feelings no matter what they are
		
		
		Jealousy is the surest way to get rid of the very person 
		you are afraid of losing. When you say I love you, it means
		"I want the very best for you whether or not I am 
		included." You must acknowledge any feelings of jealousy 
		to understand what they are. Jealousy is a signpost of the 
		longings in your subconscious mind. It reminds you that 
		what you are longing is also longing you. There are only 
		two emotions, love and fear. When jealousy comes up, stop 
		and recognize that it is actually fear raising its ugly 
		head. Fear of losing someone or something, fear that there
		is not enough. If you allow yourself to be jealous, you 
		cannot love. It is important to acknowledge all your 
		feeling and not beat yourself up for having them. Your 
		feelings are not good or bad, they just are. Jealousy is 
		simply reminding you that you are worthy of the best. When 
		you remember who you are, the jealousy will dissolve and 
		you will be ready to receive what you want.
		
		
		When you strengthen your self-esteem, there is no room 
		for jealousy.
		

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