Why

On February 15, 1947, Glenn Chambers boarded a plane bound for Quito, Ecuador to begin his ministry in missionary broadcasting. But he never arrived. In a horrible moment, the plane carrying Chambers crashed into a mountain peak and spiraled downward. Later it was learned that before leaving the Miami airport, Chambers wanted to write his mother a letter. All he could find for stationery was a page of advertising on which was written the single word "WHY?" Around that word he hastily scribbled a final note. After Chambers' mother learned of her son's death, his letter arrived. She opened the envelope, took out the paper, and unfolded it. Staring her in the face was the question "WHY?"

That very same question forces itself onto us today. Why did Jesus die? Why did he have to not only die, but die such a horrible and humiliating death? What is the point of it all? It seems that no matter how one approaches this question, there is only one adequate answer, only one answer that even begins to satisfy us. Jesus suffered and died because he loved us more than we can ever imagine. This answer may not satisfy you if you are looking for a logical explanation for suffering and death. But Jesus' suffering and death are not matters for the head; they are concerns of the heart.

Unbounded Love

There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. When Jesus told us that, he was trying to tell us in the most direct possible way that his love for us was as wide and boundless as the ocean and as far reaching as the furthest galaxy. This same Jesus Christ still loves us today, at this very moment, with that same unbounded and limitless love.

In the human face of Jesus we see the face of God. And so today, even though we are faced with the suffering of Christ, we, in faith, look beyond that suffering and see the limitless love that endured that suffering. And this love is once again calling out to us for our acceptance. Even God cannot force love on us. May we open ourselves to receive gratefully this wonderful gift-this unbounded, all-forgiving, totally accepting and comforting love of the God who is Love itself.