The Catholic Calendar for Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

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

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

Jesus never took the easy way, but He makes it easy for us. Easy if we do but one simple thing: Love Him more than ourselves.

Therein lies the problem for most of us. We like to think that we love God with our whole heart, mind and soul ... to think otherwise disturbs us ... may frighten us ... and if we're not careful, discourages us.

Why is it so hard for us to do that one, simple thing? The answer to that question can be stated in one word: Pride!

In today's Liturgy of the Word and Veneration of the Cross, we're reminded of Jesus' perfect humility. As we share in the memorial readings of His Passion, after hearing each of Jesus' responses or actions, we might ask ourselves, "Would a proud man do that?"

It can well be said that the underlying cause of all sin is pride. Greater degrees of pride cause nothing more than greater sin. Therefore, the destruction of all sin would have to come from perfect humility.

Even if Our Lord's own Incarnation, Life, Passion and Death were not enough to teach us how imperative humility is for our salvation, we need only to look at Him under the appearances of bread and wine to see the perfect and living proof of His humility.

In the Eucharist, His Mercy humbles Himself to be vulnerable to our mercy - just as He did throughout His walk amongst us - then, and now, until the end of the world. Thank You, my Lord and God!

- Nancy Collingwood

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