April 18, 2014

Good Friday

The Paschal Mystery, the story of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord, is the ultimate victorious love story rather than a tragedy and defeat. God is totally and unconditionally in love with us and wants all of us to share in His divine life. That’s why Jesus, the Son of God, became man and shared in our humanity, even being “tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning.” In Jesus, we have a high priest and intercessor who’s familiar with and understands all our weaknesses and the vicissitudes of the human condition. Out of love and complete obedience to the Father, Jesus went through horrible suffering and death on the cross to save us from our sins and bring us home to the Father. In Jesus’ Paschal sacrifice, we can therefore have the confidence that we are already victorious over sin and have been saved and have God’s mercy and help when we obey him.

“Our God gives constantly and unceasingly.” (Fr. Johnny Go, SJ) Jesus gave up everything for us during his Passion and death on the cross. This kenosis or self-emptying love is a call to us for self-diminishment: “we need to tear ourselves away from ourselves, leave ourselves behind [in order to] emerge from ourselves.”

It’s important that we “hold fast to the faith we profess.” “Faith is an encounter with Jesus, with life.” (Pope Benedict XVI). “Faith is about God. It involves consciously looking for God in everything we do. It is about seeing God in everything and everyone. God is the focus, not me. It is not about my needs, desires, and ambitions. Faith starts with listening to the Word of God and this should lead to transformation and action. Faith is kept alive by actions of love.

Has my encounter with Jesus changed me for the better? Am I transmitting faith to the people I live with, meet or come in contact with? Do they encounter Jesus in me?” (Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle)

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

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Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
View Readings

Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
John 18:1—19:42
Similar Reflections

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

"Who would believe what we have heard?" —Isaiah 53:1

At one time or another in our lives, each of us has been astounded by something we've heard. Pause and reflect for a moment. Ponder with utter amazement precisely what Jesus proclaimed through His obedience two-thousand years ago. He first suffered, "and when perfected, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Furthermore, "at the appointed time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for us godless men" and women (Rm 5:6).

Jesus spoke loud and clear that fateful day. His filial trust in the Father makes this Friday very good. Jesus abandoned Himself to the Father's will and prayed, "Into Your hands I commend My Spirit" (Ps 31:6; cf Lk 23:46).

Stop and meditate upon the magnitude of the event. In our ignorance we, the creatures, killed the Creator. Are we any better than the Roman soldiers, who "repeatedly...came up to Him and said, 'All hail, King of the Jews!', slapping His face as they did so"? (Jn 19:3) Or are we more like Pontius Pilate? When we hear Jesus proclaimed as God's Son, are we "more afraid than ever"? (see Jn 19:7-8)

In the end, when "it is finished" (Jn 19:30), call to mind that "fear is useless. What is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Remember, "He wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth" (1 Tm 2:4). That is very Good News.

Prayer: Jesus, into Your hands I commend my life.

Promise: "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed." —Is 53:5

Praise: (none)