Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On Good Friday, we stand before the mystery at the heart of our faith: the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The Cross reveals the depth of God’s love and invites us to consider the meaning of His sacrifice for our lives today (cf. Jn 3:16).
The Gospels help us enter this mystery, each offering a unique perspective. In Mark, Jesus is the suffering Messiah who shares in our deepest abandonment. From the Cross, He cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). This assures us that in our own pain, we are not alone; Christ has entered the depths of our human struggle.
Matthew shows us that this death fulfills God’s plan of salvation. At the moment of Jesus’ death, the temple veil was torn in two (Mt 27:51), signifying that through Christ, a new and living way to God has been opened for all.
In Luke, we see divine mercy shining through suffering. Jesus prays for His executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), and offers hope to the repentant thief: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Here, we are challenged to examine our own hearts. How often do we withhold forgiveness because of hurt or pride? Christ’s example calls us to embrace mercy, repentance, and trust in God.
Finally, John presents the Cross not as defeat, but as victory. When Jesus declares, “It is finished” (Jn 19:30), He proclaims that the Father’s mission is accomplished. The Cross becomes the sign of faithful love that conquers sin and death. How will we respond to this love?
The people around the Cross speak to us silently. Some mocked; others followed the crowd; yet a few remained faithful (cf. Jn 19:25). Each of us must choose where we stand.
As we commemorate this holy day, may we learn from Christ’s own attitude: patience in suffering, trust in the Father’s plan, mercy toward others, and faithful love in the most difficult moments. May His sacrifice inspire us to carry our own crosses with hope (cf. Lk 9:23) and to live lives marked by forgiveness, compassion, and service.
May the Cross of Christ be our strength and our salvation. Amen
Written by: Fr. Denis Olok, Mccj
