The Catholic Calendar for Friday, April 9, 2004
Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

Scripture from Friday’s Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Psalm 31:2,6,12-13,15-17,25
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1--19:42

A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:

This year, Good Friday is especially relevant in our lives, Our hearts are weary at the awareness of how much pure evil roams our world, killing innocent people, especially helpless children. Our eyes and ears are beseiged by incredible stories of atrocities from the outer ends of the globe even to our very neighborhoods. It seems to worsen each day! The thought must intrude into my mind: To what extent am I responsible?

As we meditate on the events of Christ’s Passion and Death, we’re aware of the same evil presence, directing the nightmare of his arrest, condemnation, torture, and crucifixion. It is surely an evil dream then as now. How can it be true? How can evil have part with the greatest act of love that ever existed in our world? How does it “fit in” with the plans and providence of a powerful and almighty Father? We are filled with helpless outrage at what is being done to the Lord of life and goodness.

As we contemplate the scourging, the crowning with thorns, and the humiliating journey through the streets of Jerusalem, our hearts break at the sight of a scorned and beaten Saviour. How can it be? Won’t someone stop this terrible injustice before it is too late? Our outrage crumbles into fear and horror as the nails are pounded in to his hands and feet, and he is lifted up before the eyes of the whole world. As His blood pours out of that broken body, tears gush down my cheeks at the realization that my sins have done this. I am responsible for the death of my dearest Friend and Lover!

I will never understand the mystery of “how” and “why” God did this for me! I can only fall to my knees, and, with grateful voice, cry out “We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy Cross, you have redeemed the world!”

Have mercy on me, O Lord,
and on the whole world!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 6:00 AM