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One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 3

<< Friday, April 3, 2015 >>

Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
View Readings

Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
John 18:1—19:42
Similar Reflections

OBEY OR BETRAY?

"Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered." —Hebrews 5:8

Through His suffering and death, Jesus' appearance was marred beyond that of man (Is 52:14). "He was spurned and avoided by men, a Man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from Whom men hide their faces" (Is 53:3). Our infirmities He bore; our sufferings He endured (Is 53:4). He was "stricken," "smitten," "afflicted," "pierced," and "crushed" (Is 53:4-5). Jesus became "an Object of reproach, a Laughingstock," and "a Dread" (Ps 31:12). Jesus was dreadfully brutalized, tortured, and traumatized for love of us.

What will we do on this Good Friday? We do not have to accept His love. We have the freedom to make Jesus' cross meaningless for us (1 Cor 1:17). When we venerate the cross and kiss Jesus' wounds at the liturgy today, what will it mean? Will it be the kiss of Judas (see Lk 22:48) or the kiss of love? Will we decide today to obey the first commandment and love Jesus with all our hearts (Mt 22:37-38), or will we betray Him by refusing to let Him be our King (Jn 19:15)?

Jesus "became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Obey totally and forever Jesus, Who for love of You obediently accepted "even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8)

Prayer: "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit" (Lk 23:46).

Promise: "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." —Is 53:12

Praise: (none)

Prayer for Those Who Are Terminally Ill

Lord Jesus, you healed so many people during your public ministry. I bring before you now, in prayer, all those who are terminally ill -- those afflicted with cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Look lovingly and compassionately upon them. Let them feel the strength of your consolation. Help them and their families to accept this cross they are asked to carry. Protect them from euthanasia, Lord.

Let them see you carrying their cross with them, at their side, as you once carried yours to Calvary. May Mary be there, too, to comfort them.

Lord Jesus, I know and believe that, if it is your will, you can cure those I pray for (especially N.). I place my trust in you. I pray with faith, but I also pray as you did in Gethsemane: your will be done.

Bless us, Lord, and hear my prayer. Amen.

Reprinted from "Queen of Apostles Prayerbook" with permission of copyright holder, Pauline Books & Media,