Take some extra time today to meditate before a crucifix. Look upon Jesus in all his lowlinessbeaten, bruised, and bloodied. See him suffering, rejected and alone. Hear his last cry: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? See his love for you, even as he hangs dying in your place: Father forgive them, they know not what they do. Gaze upon him who was pierced for our offenses and crushed for our sins. Bow in reverence as you contemplate the full meaning of this holy day, when the Son of God became incredibly poor so that we could become unspeakably rich. Bless the One who now beckons you to approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help (Hebrews 4:16).
What great love the cross reveals! This is covenant love, a love that springs from Jesus eternal promise to protect us and unite us to himself for all eternity. This covenant love is ever faithful. It is ready to die so that others may live. Its an eternal love, written in the very blood of Christ.
Today as you meditate before the Lamb who was slain, consider the bigness of the cross. Has any other act of love ever brought forth such a flood of mercy and grace? Has any other sacrifice completely washed away every sin ever committed and every sin to come? Has any other act of love overcome the devils work of hatred and evil in the world?
How can you make the cross real in your life today? By showing your loved ones the same covenant love that Jesus has shown you. What joy Jesus will have as he sees the fruit of his cross in the way you spread his love and faithfulness today! Just think: Every time you love as Jesus loves, you are bringing the very presence of Christ into the world!
Jesus, on this Good Friday I join with the saints in heaven to mourn what my sin did to you, but also to rejoice in what your love did for me. May this litany be in my heart today: Cross of Jesus, purify me. Blood of Jesus, cleanse me. Wounds of Jesus, heal me. Love of Jesus, free me. Mercy of Jesus, forgive me.
Isaiah 52:1353:12; Psalm 31:2,6,12-13,15-17,25; John 18:119:42