On Good Friday

On this day, humanity awakens with the budding of Spring, to stand at the foot of the cross.  The Nazarene hangs suspended between heaven and earth.

He looks up to the sky, crying out, ‘O God, why have you forsaken me?’ and the heavens seem to remain silent. He looks down on the earth, which lashes out with abusive words and baseless accusations.

Today's humanity evades looking at this spectacle, avoids contemplating it, or endeavors to slip it into oblivion as a forgotten past event. Nonetheless, it remains paradoxically bewitched and simultaneously repelled by the heartbreaking sight, a reality it cannot escape.

It is because the spectacle represents the collective suffering of humanity. Within it, each individual confronts his/her own shortcomings, agonies, failures, and unfulfilled longings. This shared experience explains the global appeal of Good Friday services.

However, if humanity looks upon Jesus with pity, regret, or sorrow, grieving the Nazarene, it is profoundly mistaken. Jesus lived without fear, nor did he die in despair. Having accomplished all things with perfect fulfillment, he commended his spirit to his Father. Throughout his life, he walked his path with resolve, refusing to compromise with evil. Truth flowed from him powerfully, and goodness abundantly. Fully aware of his destination, he took each step with purpose, plowing through a sinful world with the plow of his cross.

O crucified Jesus,

as you gaze upon the ages with mercy, and
see through every human heart with your compassionate countenance,

Forgive us:
for knowing not your sacrifice,
heeding not your invitation,
fulfilling not your will,
and opening not our hearts
to carry your message with commitment.