The Crucifixion of Jesus epitomizes the deepest abyss that a human being can fall into, so says Rev Fr. Tony Pernia, the Boholano SVD Superior General based in Rome.

That meant being betrayed by a trusted lieutenant (Judas), abandoned by most of His disciples, unjustly sentenced for a crime He did not commit, inflicted with brutal violence causing unspeakable pain and suffering and death on a cross like a common criminal.

Crucifixion was a Roman, not a Jewish form of punishment - preceded by scourging which left the body into a swollen mass of bloody flesh. The many of us who watched the film "The Passion of the Christ" and winced at the riveting scenes, know what pain Jesus went through.

Some history accounts stated that Jesus was nailed to the cross at nine in the morning and died at three in the afternoon - a length of time almost incredible even for the Roman centurions.

Three days later - Easter Sunday - Jesus rose from the grave in resplendent glory - to prove His victory over death and the fulfillment of the promise of man's redemption from sin by His death and resurrection. Thus, in Christendom, Easter Sunday is celebrated with as much sense of victory as Christmas Day. Easter completed the Saga of Redemption that started in a lowly manger of Bethlehem on Christmas Day.

Other accounts depict Christ assuming so much divine energy that the stone that covered His grave shattered through sheer cosmic force. The soldiers allegedly made the stone strong and secure to prevent His disciples from stealing His body and declaring His resurrection.

The Easter theme of redemption re-echoes through the lives of the different actors that became part of Jesus' life on earth.

One of the most painful wound that cut Jesus' heart was the betrayal of two friends he loved and trusted. Judas, son of Simeon Iscariot, was Jesus' cousin and treasurer of the Apostle's common fund and Peter was a leader upon whose "Rock", He built the Church. Verily, it is only the people we love who can truly hurt us the most. Betrayal cuts like a knife.

For thirty pieces of silver, Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. However, certain accounts say Judas repented his misdeed, threw the silver away and hang himself from a tree. Who would know - during Judas last few minutes -whether He asked God for forgiveness?

Peter's redemption from his cowardly betrayal exposed by a cock's three crowing was more explicit. After Jesus died - Peter preached and healed and was crucified on a cross upside down. At least six other apostles who deserted Christ at Golgotha died a martyr's death - one drawn, tied to two horses who galloped away and tore his flesh and ribs apart. All eleven apostles redeemed themselves in their courageous missionary work after Christ's death.

But Jesus placed the value of loyalty on top of his wish list for His followers. John who was at the foot of the cross - was declared by the dying Jesus to be Mary His Mother's son - and therefore His brother, like no other. While the apostles stormed to Jesus' grave, puzzled and fearful, it was only John who looked at the garment that covered Jesus face folded near the grave who smiled and said: He is Risen. Alleluia. A brother knows.

Jesus' love story on earth is really a story of redemption. And none exemplifies this most than the story of Mary Magdalene, a reformed prostitute who wept at the feet of Jesus in Calvary, had sought forgiveness earlier and washed His feet. Jesus had forgiven women of ill repute, admonishing them to "go forth and sin no more" even as he challenged the judgmental crowd: He who is without sin, cast the first stone.

And perhaps the same with Pontius Pilate. Made Roman governor of Judea for ten years, Pilate, by some accounts, repented his equivocation in not freeing Jesus and lived a good life thereafter. The biggest Catholic sect in Egypt called Coptic Church (estranged from Rome) has, in fact, declared Pilate as St. Pontius. Indeed, the roads to redemption can be varied and astounding in complexity. It is an apropos footnote for the holier-than-thous who sit in judgment over the obvious follies of their neighbors.

Dimas, the Thief of Jesus' right at Calvary was instantly brought by Jesus upon his death like "this day, you shall be with Me in Paradise" because he was a repentant sinner who redeemed himself in "the last two minutes" - in basketball lingo. In fact, in the late 60s, we witnessed how the so-called "Society of Dimas", literally took care of the welfare of some reformed prisoners while in jail. Among them was a colegiala Judith Gallares of this city, who eventually became a nun.

Fr. John Pernia, now based in the USA, sent a timely e-mail story about the significance of the existence of the Garment that covered the face of the Suffering Jesus folded neatly beside his abandoned tomb.

Jewish tradition has it that when the Master of the House partakes of his meal and throws the towel across the table - it means "I am finished". The lowly servant takes that as a signal to clean up the table.

However, when the Master folds the towel - that indicates "I am Coming Back".

It is a story worth retelling - because in essence, the continuing saga of the Easter Sunday story will unfold finally in an epic ending at the end of the world - where the Risen Christ will thunder across the nations from Heaven declaring: "I am Back".

Beats the Terminator - Arnold Swarzenneger, anytime.

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