Good Friday

Friday, April 19

Scripture

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

Reflection

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why so far from my call for help, from my cries of anguish? (Ps. 22)

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31)

These words came from the very lips of Jesus in his last day on this earth. These Psalms help voice our cries, our sorrows, and our hopes to God. Sometimes this cry is my own. Sometimes it is sent out for others and for our world. You will hear these words sung as Psalm refrains for Palm Sunday and Good Friday. They are powerful expressions of anguish and longing. You will hear just a few verses sung at the worship services. For a deeper appreciation of these Psalms, spend time reading all the verses. See how quickly the mood changes. You may find that this touches your own experience as well. It makes sense to realize that Jesus really suffered for our life more than for our sins. It is “Good” Friday because it is a day that we see and feel the reality of suffering and passion united with Jesus, who is one with us and points to the more.

Prayer

Through all of my sorrows, O God, I will be faithful in trusting you.

“I will rejoice and be glad in your love once you have seen my misery, observed my distress. You will not abandon me into the enemy hands, but will set my feet in a free and open space.” (Ps. 31, 8-9)

Personal Challenge

“What is ours to do, we deeply long to know. Call us to the more.” – Kathy Sherman, Congregation of St. Joseph

Betsy Meagher, CSJ
Kalamazoo, MI

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