Votive Mass for the Deceased

The Crucifixion and death of Jesus was a total contrast to the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor.  At the Crucifixion there was an unnatural darkness at noon in contrast to the supernatural light surrounding Jesus at his Transfiguration; there was bitter suffering rather than divine glory; Jesus was flanked by two thieves instead of the prophets, Moses and Elijah. Yet, it is by the forgiveness of Jesus in all the horror of his Crucifixion that we are saved, not by his wonderful Transfiguration.  So also, in this life, far more good for ourselves and others comes from offering our sufferings and dying with Jesus than from the gift of enjoying mystical experiences.  Like Jesus, our dying and death itself opens the door to paradise.