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There is no greater love than this – to lay down one's life for another. (John 15:13)
As I reread the gospel accounts of the days leading up to cross this year, I noticed how often Jesus spoke of the upcoming event through conversations with his disciples, and parables, and even conflict with the pharisees and scribes. Jesus knew what was coming, but allowed himself to be handed over—not putting up a fight or defence. This is the passion of Christ.

"Passion is a kind of waiting—waiting for what other people are going to do...It is also the agony of being out of control and of having to wait. It is the agony of a God who depends on us to decide how to live out the divine presence among us. It is the agony of the God who, in a very mysterious way, allows us to decide how God will be God. Here we glimpse the mystery of incarnation. God became human not only to act among us but also to be the recipient of our reponses."(Henri Nouwen, Finding my Way Home, p110)

It is in the waiting that the story becomes complete, "it is in the passion that the fullness of Jesus' love shines through. It is a waiting love, a love that does not seek control." (H. Nouwen, p.114) God is waiting for us to respond: will we follow him or betray him; will we deny him or believe in him. In that waiting comes the love, the redeeming love that gives us hope. Just as the cross represents the suffering of Christ, it also is the sign of hope.
(Mark 15:16-20)Legend says that the crown of thorns, native to Madagascar, was the plant used by the Roman soldiers to form the cruel crown tearing the scalp as Jesus was whipped, beat and led to the cross. But the plant also symbolizes Jesus gift of new life and hope to a fallen world. The green leaves and red flowers remind us of the new life and resurrection. In the crease and where the two petals meet we see a cross with a drop of red like blood  in it's centre, reminding us of Jesus' love for us. How will we respond today?

Happy Easter! Christ is Risen!