April 3, 2015: Good Friday
A Lenten Pilgrimage
Good Friday
April 3, 2015
Today is Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion and we are remembering the death of Jesus, the Word made flesh, on the cross. This Friday is good because our redemption is finally accomplished. Heaven is opened for us. As we gaze upon the crucifix, let us ponder what it means for us. What is our response to Jesus’ offer of salvation?
It would be hard, indeed, to see the cross of Christ as a sign of victory if we are not able to realize that it was not just the mere endurance of the suffering of Jesus that saved us, but rather the love and forgiveness of Jesus that is the source of our salvation. Jesus’ act of sacrificing His life was full of compassion, which in its simplest terms means to “suffer with love.’’ We can find no greater proof of God’s love for us than the willing sacrifice of His Son Jesus who died on the cross for love of us.
The cross begins to make sense the very moment we see that love is more powerful than anger, hatred, and death. The cross of Christ, far from being a decoration or just an external badge of identity, is the very substance of our pain and struggle. It tells us there is hope for us even at our very worst and seemingly trying and helpless situations. It extends beyond us both ends of the scale: It measures our life and gives meaning to it. (Fr. JS Benitez)
Good Friday
April 3, 2015
Today is Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion and we are remembering the death of Jesus, the Word made flesh, on the cross. This Friday is good because our redemption is finally accomplished. Heaven is opened for us. As we gaze upon the crucifix, let us ponder what it means for us. What is our response to Jesus’ offer of salvation?
It would be hard, indeed, to see the cross of Christ as a sign of victory if we are not able to realize that it was not just the mere endurance of the suffering of Jesus that saved us, but rather the love and forgiveness of Jesus that is the source of our salvation. Jesus’ act of sacrificing His life was full of compassion, which in its simplest terms means to “suffer with love.’’ We can find no greater proof of God’s love for us than the willing sacrifice of His Son Jesus who died on the cross for love of us.
The cross begins to make sense the very moment we see that love is more powerful than anger, hatred, and death. The cross of Christ, far from being a decoration or just an external badge of identity, is the very substance of our pain and struggle. It tells us there is hope for us even at our very worst and seemingly trying and helpless situations. It extends beyond us both ends of the scale: It measures our life and gives meaning to it. (Fr. JS Benitez)
