FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (GOOD FRIDAY)

Bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

“Jesus, as I contemplate your tortuous journey to the cross, I am overwhelmed with sadness. And yet I know what your crucifixion will mean for me and for the whole world. As I reflect on these Gospel verses today, help me to comprehend the enormity of your sacrifice as well as the abundant, never-ending love and mercy that continue to flow from your side.

“I find no guilt in him (John 18:38). Lord, you were an innocent man unjustly condemned and put to death, but you took on my guilt and the guilt of us all. Now even my most grievous sin can be forgiven and forgotten. Because of your sacrifice, you will always welcome me back.

“Behold, your king! (John 19:14). You were not just the king of one nation but of all the nations on the earth—and of the entire universe! As King, you could have called out an army of angels to save yourself, but you knew that the only way to save me was to sacrifice yourself out of love for me. Jesus, I am so incredibly grateful!

“I thirst (John 19:28). Jesus, I can’t imagine how parched you must have felt as you hung on the cross. But it was more than physical thirst; you also thirsted for me—and for every person who was far from you! Jesus, I thirst for you too: for your love, for your mercy, and for your presence in my life. Help me to remember that only you can quench the deepest desires of my heart.

“It is finished (John 19:30). You have completed your mission: you preached, you healed, and then you willingly drank the ‘cup’ that led to your death (18:11). Now your beaten and marred body will be anointed and laid in a tomb. Jesus, on this solemn day, I grieve for you. With the whole Church, I keep vigil, knowing that in just three days, you will burst from the grave and conquer death forever. And on that glorious day, just as you promised your disciples, my grief will turn to joy (16:20)!”

“Jesus, may your cross always remind me of your great love for me.”

Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1 -19:42