The devil thought he had won a victory when Jesus was crucified.ìBut we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they
known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.î
1 Corinthians 2:7-8
The full triumphs of the Son of God Jesus Christ, are an empty cross AND an
empty grave. It is sin that keeps Jesus on the cross in the hearts of men.
ìÖthey crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him
to an open shame.î Hebrews 6:6
It is also on the cross where Jesus suffered scorn and shame at the hands of
man.
ìAnd they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And
saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three
days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from
the cross.î Matthew 27:39-40
Like those that ridiculed and scorned Christ while He was being crucified, if any
man or religious institution keeps Jesus on the cross, or claims that we must do
some form of penance to obtain that forgiveness, they make a mockery of the
price Jesus paid.
There is no penance, Hail Mary or any other act that one can do to obtain the
forgiveness that is offered through Jesus Christ.