Good Friday

 Good Friday - April 18, 2025

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

(image Courtesy: Google)

Telemachus was a hermit who devoted himself to a holy life of prayer and self-denial and kept himself apart from the wicked life of Rome. Although few of the Roman citizens followed their example, most of them had great respect for these hermits. The games at the colosseum continued even after the Rome Empire became Christian under Constantine. Where Christians were once persecuted, that arena now has become the place where pagans are persecuted through dual sword fights until one fall dead. Christians sitting on the stands of the colosseum and applauding this sadistic game. In 370, Telemachus was on a pilgrimage to visit churches and to celebrate Christmas in Rome. Hearing the sounds and shouts from the direction of the colosseum, he enters the scene where gladiators were fighting with swords wounding each other. Without any hesitation, Telemachus runs down the steps to the arena upon the two gladiators who were engaged in their life-and-death struggle. Laying a hand on one of them, he sternly reproved him for shedding innocent blood, and then, turning toward the thousands of angry faces around him, called to them: "Do not repay God's mercy in turning away the swords of your enemies by murdering each other!" The 40,000 strong angry shouts drowned out his voice. "This is no place for preaching! On with the combat!" Pushing Telemachus aside, the two gladiators prepared to continue their combat, but Telemachus stepped in between them. Enraged at the interference of an outsider one of the guards turned on Telemachus and stabbed him to death. The shouting crowd suddenly fell silent, shocked by the death of this holy, innocent man. But his death had not been in vain, for from that day on, in 370 the Roman council decided that no more gladiators ever went into combat in the Roman Colosseum. His death was not in vain. His death was the end of many possible deaths in a sadistic, cruel game of sword fights that the Romans enjoyed.

Today is Good Friday, the day on which we Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. The death of Jesus was not in vain. It has given us meaning to our lives as Christians. Just like Telemachus’s death we remain silent pondering the mystery of this great sacrifice. 

On Good Friday we enter into the Passion of Christ who endured rejection, humiliation, and intense physical pain for our sins. We follow Jesus as He carries His cross to Calvary. We remain with Mary, the Mother of Sorrows and we stand at the foot of the cross to witness the sacrificial death of the Lamb of God. How can we not be moved if we recognize our responsibility for the death of Christ? “It was our infirmities that He bore, the sufferings that He endured,” The Prophet Isaiah pointedly reminds us.  The church does not celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Good Friday.  Hence let us meditate on the cross, sufferings, and death of Jesus. 

Let us meditate the sufferings of Jesus. The passion narration has given us the sequence so vividly. First, he was mocked. They mocked about his being a Messiah, his divinity, his miracles and healing, his teaching, and his kingship. Roman soldiers put a reed in his hand, spat all over him, and jeered at him. Secondly, he was scourged.  They lacerated his back with leather thongs, in which were bits of bone and metal at the end. Then they laughed at him in scorn. Thirdly they placed on his head a crown of thorns which they had taken from the thorny branches, weaved them into a crown, and placed on his head to mock him as a king. After this, the soldiers placed a purple robe on him to signify his kingship. Then he was taken in a procession through public streets and market places to be laughed at, mocked, and insulted. Finally, he was taken to Golgotha and there they crucified him. It was a brutal act. They nailed his hands and legs and raised him high to hang between heaven and earth.  He was allowed to suffer in agony, with thirst, fever, and the fear of death. He was helpless and had no one close to him. They allowed him to die alone on the cross.  He suffered silently, without any complaint, making the entire act a moment of offering to his Father.

Today, suffering manifests in diverse forms around the globe – systemic injustice, poverty, illness, and the ravages of war and violence. Much like Jesus, countless individuals bear the burdens of their own crosses, grappling with human affliction in ways both seen and unseen. The modern believer is compelled to recognize that the story of the crucifixion is not an ancient narrative; it is deeply relevant, as it embodies the struggles and sorrows we witness each day.

Pilgrims of Hope:

Good Friday assures us that even the darkest moments are not devoid of purpose. The crucifixion, an instrument of death and despair, ultimately becomes the vehicle of salvation. This paradox is central to the Christian message: through suffering, God brings about healing and transformation.

In our own lives, we often grapple with the question of meaning in our suffering. It can be all too easy to feel abandoned or disillusioned in the midst of pain, yet Good Friday reminds us that suffering can lead to profound growth. Through trials, we may come to understand ourselves better, cultivate compassion, and develop resilience. God invites us to trust that our suffering is not in vain but can become a part of a larger narrative of grace and renewal.

As we reflect on those who suffer today—be it from illness, grief, or injustice—we are reminded of the many who have walked paths of pain yet emerged transformed. Their stories become testimonies of faith, resilience, and hope. In solidarity with those who endure suffering, we can seek avenues for healing, advocacy, and change, allowing our hearts to be softened and moved by love.

Good Friday compels us to act with love, compassion, and justice. We cannot stand idly by; rather, we must be willing to advocate for those who feel voiceless, to champion the cause of the oppressed, and to offer a helping hand to those in need.

As we meditate on the cross, let it inspire a deep commitment to serve others. Our faith calls us to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. This means addressing systemic injustices, caring for the marginalized, and sharing the hope we find in Christ. When we embody His love, we provide refuge, let hope flourish, and remind others that they are not alone in their suffering.

In the Cross Be my Glory Ever