We are called to claim the Suffering Servant as our loving Savior
Reflections on the readings for Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (April 19, 2019): IS 52:13—53:12; PS 31:2,6,12-13,15-16,17,25; HEB 4:14-16; 5:7-9; JN 18:1—19:42
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The whole life and brutal death of Jesus reveals the truth and beauty of God’s mercy for every person has ever and will ever live.
It is not a story of a good man who believed in loving His neighbor and speaking precious words of hope. He was certainly not simply a kind person who cared about the poor and suffering and those abused and abandoned by the rich and powerful of this world. Jesus Christ brought healing of body and soul because He is the Son of God come to save us. Even though it meant laying down His own life, He willing embraced His cross so that we can bear our own – knowing we are not alone and are no longer condemned to death as He was.
During today’s sacred liturgy, we hear St. Paul remind us, “We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.… We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Our high priest Himself became the sacrifice, the Lamb of God, who would redeem us from sin and death. Our Lord’s mercy transforms our lives because He surely is the way, the truth and the life for the whole world. He is our loving God eager to welcome all sinners who turn to Him. During the Veneration of the Cross today, let us appreciate the burden of our suffering that our Redeemer claimed for Himself so that we can claim Him as our Lord and King forever.
Suggested missionary action: On this Good Friday, let us commit ourselves to humbly praying each day for Jesus’ help in avoiding sin and, when we fail, gratefully asking His merciful forgiveness in confession. And let us remember in prayer missionaries around the world who reveal the Lord's mercy day after day in their words and actions.
