What a great lesson on Love and Generosity!

Readings: 1st: Is 52:13—53:12; Ps 31; 2nd: Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9: Gos: Jn 18:1—19:42

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, or canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today’s celebration of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ brings us to a very important point in the Journey we began about six weeks ago. Today, of all Fridays in the entire year is the only one designated as “Good or Holy Friday.

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There must be something intriguing and interesting about this, given the fact that someone had to be unjustly assassinated or executed on a day like this. By all standards, what is it, that makes this Friday unique, good, or holy, this is a valid question.

The full answer to this question will manifest on Easter Sunday. However, without leaving us completely in the dark or in suspense, a very short reason will suffice. Today, Christ paid a costly price for our salvation by offering his own life as a sacrifice.

They took Jesus to Calvary and crucified him there. It looked like a brutal act, but splendor was shining through it. Today, the cross stands as a symbol of power in weakness. It stands as a symbol of salvation rather than a symbol of curse or evil.

Good Friday puts the cross before us and challenges us not to look away where ever there is suffering. If we follow the footsteps of Christ to Calvary, we do not have to fear, because, like him, we confide in God’s divine presence and protection.

So, in his passion, Christ gives us a great lesson on love and generosity. This must awaken in us a response of gratitude and serious commitment both to God and to one another. The way of the Cross is the way of our lives, which we must walk supported by Jesus, who will give us victory at the end of our journey.

Finally, today let us ask God to strengthen us through the passion of Christ, so that, wherever there is suffering or pain, we might see the face of Jesus. Let us also ask Him for the strength we need to be a sign of hope wherever there is despair, and a sign of love wherever love is needed.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!