Good Friday is more than just a day of fasting and abstinence, it is a call to examine our hearts and align ourselves with the suffering of Christ. As we engage in our fast today, let us remember that through our sacrifices, we participate in the mystery of Christ’s suffering, drawing ever closer to the heart of God. May this day deepen our faith, transform our hearts, and inspire us to embody the love of Christ in our communities, families as well as in our world. Today we are reminded that Christ’s suffering was not in vain. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. The practice of fasting and abstinence today serves as an opportunity to align ourselves more closely with Christ’s passion. It encourages us to examine our hearts and to bring our struggles before God, seeking His grace in times of trial. GS/7/XI/80/A* Jesus teaches us that it is only on condition that we are like him that He will recognize us as His brothers and sisters. Here are His words, “If they persecuted me they will persecute you”.
Today’s gospel recounts the passion of Christ in a deeply moving narrative, from His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane to His crucifixion and burial. We witness the reality of Christ’s suffering, the betrayal of friends, and the ridicule of enemies. Jesus stands resolute, embodying love and forgiveness even in His final moments. The passion of Christ resonate with our own struggles, reminding us that we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus’ experience encourages us to find hope and purpose in our own challenges. His willingness to endure humiliation is a good lesson to each one of us to make sacrifices for the well-being of others, be it family, friends, sisters in our communities, and those we encounter in our daily life. We are also challenged to examine our own hearts and consider who we need to forgive in our lives as it can lead to personal healing and reconciliation. In his letter GS/9/VII/80/A*, Fr Gailhac wrote, “All good comes from Calvary. The cross of Jesus is our only hope. No-one can be saved except through the cross, but the cross can save us only to the extent that we benefit from the grace it offers. We do not benefit from the cross of Jesus if we do not carry the cross with Him. That is why Jesus said: ‘’If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross all the days of his life and follow me.”
As we immerse ourselves in the narrative of the passion of Christ, we reflect upon our own lives. How do we respond to suffering? Do we mirror the love of Christ in our interactions with others? Today the passion of the Lord encourages us to detach from worldly comforts and destructions, allowing us to focus on the true meaning of sacrifice and redemption. As we venerate the cross it reminds us of our own commitment to follow Jesus’ footsteps. We also reflect on its significance in our lives thereby reminding us that through suffering, we resurrect and begin a new life.
“May Jesus, obedient unto death on a cross, be our strength and consolation.” Fr Gailhac (GS/7/XI/80/A)
By Sister Plynet Tachekwa
Photo: Unsplash
