by Sr. Catherine Patten
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I am grateful to be able to be with you today as we contemplate the mystery of Jesus Passion and death on this Friday we call “Good.”
The liturgy for Good Friday draws us into this mystery, inviting us to face, with Jesus, what most of us fear the most, suffering and death.
The liturgy is solemn, almost stark. It begins in silence, with the celebrant prostrating himself before the altar. The readings are the same each year, indicating their importance.
Is. 53, the Third Servant Song, enumerates the sufferings of the servant, but then proclaims:
If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Is 53
Psalm 22 with its refrain, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” rehearses the sufferings Jesus endured, but it too ends on a note of hope:
“Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the LORD.” Ps 22
The Church draws us into the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, but always with hope, never losing sight of the whole Paschal Mystery.
In the Passion according to John, Jesus endures excruciating suffering, but he remains in control. In the very beginning of the narrative Jesus three times answers the question “Who are you?” by saying “I AM.” This is the name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush, “I am who I am.”
In contrast, Peter, when asked if he is a disciple, says three times: “I am not.”
Jesus speaks three words from the cross. In the first, he says to his disciple John,
“Behold, your mother.” And to Mary, “Behold your son.” Jesus entrusts Mary and John to care for one another. Mary becomes the mother of the Church, of all of us.
Jesus’ second word: “I thirst.” We may know this kind of physical thirst, but generations of Christians have also heard this as Jesus’ desire for us, his thirst for our salvation, for the completion of his mission.
Then, “It is finished.” Jesus returns to the Father. Father, Son, and Spirit have completed the work. This is a trinitarian mystery.
John tells us that after Jesus died, a soldier thrust a lance into his side to assure Jesus was dead, and “immediately blood and water flowed out.” Literally true, but also symbolically the fruit of Jesus’ sacrifice, salvation and new life, rebirth for all of us, for all creation.
Let us end by praying an ancient prayer that has nourished generations of Christians.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever.
Amen.
