Readings:

Is. 52:13-53:12; Ps. 31; Heb. 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn. 18:1-19:42

(Audio recorded live, 2 April 2021)

“Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.” This Friday, which is called ‘Good’, we recall the events leading up to our Blessed Lord’s Passion, crucifixion, and death. Yet, we call this day, ‘good’. We do so not simply because this is the day Jesus suffered, but because he did so on our behalf. Jesus’ death was a sacrifice on behalf of humanity, which itself suffers under the bondage of sin and death. Indeed, this past year of viral outbreak and pandemic is a stark reminder of our powerlessness over death. Even now, we find it difficult to interact with one another out of fear of dying. But, Jesus did not fear.

Throughout his life, Jesus encountered many people who were sick with deadly contagious diseases and he touched them and healed them; he encountered many who were paralyzed or unable to speak and he touched them and healed them; he encountered many who were blind and he touched them and gave them sight; he also encountered several who were dead, like Lazarus, and he raised them from the dead and had the people unbound them from their burial cloths. Yet, on the cross, Jesus could touch no one with his hands, for they were fastened to the tree, nor could he travel from place to place, for his feet were fastened to the tree. He could, however, reveal his desire for all humanity, saying, “I thirst.” This thirst is not for a sip of wine on a sponge, but rather for the hearts of men and women the world over. This is a thirst that can never be quenched, for the thirst of the Son of God has no boundaries. This thirst transcends time and space and calls to us in a way that only the faithful can understand. It is a thirst that draws us closer to him, through his own suffering, because we realize that his suffering was not for personal gain, but rather, a sacrifice for the life of the world. This life, then, comes to us anew, through water and blood, flowing from his wounded side, and brings us new birth. This birth we celebrate is our own rising to new life, the life of the Christian, the life of one who follows in the footsteps of the Master, the life of one who suffers with him in his Passion, as we ourselves undergo purification for our sins.

New life comes to us, whenever we acknowledge that we have been chosen by Christ. New life comes to us we journey with Christ to a new beginning. New life comes to us when we look upon Christ crucified and realize that death is not permanent. New life comes to us as we stare death in the face and yet move forward on this path of life, which has been paved for us by Christ.

This Friday is indeed Good, for it is the day which Christ has given himself over, not to the guards, nor to Caiaphas, nor to Pilot, but rather, to the Father on our behalf, “and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”

Given during the COVID-19 pandemic.