Friday, April 7th
Scripture
Is 52:13-53:12
Ps 31: 2,6,12-13, 15, 17, 25
Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9
John 18:1 – 19:42
Reflection
“He bore the punishment that makes us whole.” Isa 53:5
I dread the Good Friday liturgy. It reminds me that execution of one human being by another still occurs in our country. Suffering of the innocent happens because of war, climate disasters, trafficking, abuse of power. Gratefully, the beautiful imagery within the Scripture readings captures for me the whole paschal mystery. One phrase in Isaiah’s Servant Song leaps at me: he bore the punishment that makes us whole. Jesus died and rose through the power of God’s spirit to a new life. God offers this “new life” to each of us. What does it mean to be made whole? Just imagine how each of us would be if all the good that is already in us is able to blossom because all barriers such as self-imposed limitations, doubts, and prejudices were removed. We would be what God always intended of all God’s creation: beautiful, loving, joyful.
Prayer
Merciful, compassionate God, who raised Jesus to new life,
give me the courage to confront the prejudice in my own life
and in our country that prevents us from caring for one another.
Help us to act justly, love tenderly, and always walk with you.
Amen.
Personal Challenge
What can I do today to alleviate the suffering of one person?
Sister Marianne Race, CSJ
Brookfield, IL
