Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Psalm 30(31):2, 6, 12–13, 15–17, 25; Hebrews 4:14–16, 5:7–9; John 18:1–19:42
29 March 2024
“Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace.” – Hebrews 4:16
The confidence that we find in the letter to the Hebrews is in complete contrast to the fear of the apostle Peter in his denial of Jesus. Peter was watching his world crash around him—his Rabbi was in chains, and his brothers scattered. Potentially having seen many executions before, he knew where this story was going. Perhaps then, the confidence seen in Hebrews was in view of the Resurrection—a confidence of knowing how the story would end. On the contrary, what we learn is that it is precisely the suffering of Jesus that gives us boldness before God. Jesus feels our human weaknesses with us, he was tempted in every way that we are, and yet, he was obedient even in his suffering.
Today is Good Friday for many reasons. It is good because the perfect love of God was shown. It is good because sin was defeated by Jesus dying once for all. But it is also good because, in the broken, bloody, body of our Saviour King, we see God’s compassion for us. We want to look away, but we must look. In his body we see his nearness, mercy, and love. In his body we see the proclamation of the Good News. We stand before God, in all his perfection, but we are not alone. Jesus is with us as much as he is for us.
Give yourself permission to experience this day on a human level, and if your own pain, sadness, or sorrow comes to mind, do not fight it. The point of the Cross is not to give us an example large enough to rationalise away our own experience, but to show us God’s compassion—his willingness to suffer with us. Jesus is with us in everything—even death— therefore, let us approach the One he called Father, and ask for the mercy and grace we need.
We adore you, Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Amen.
Peter Gilmore
Peter Gilmore has a background in youth and young adult ministry and currently works as the coordinator of evangelisation and parish renewal for the Diocese of Wollongong. He has completed his studies in theology and currently supports parishes utilising the Divine Renovation and Alpha resources. He has a passion for making Church teaching and biblical truth accessible to all.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, Pietà – Lenten Program 2024. Reproduced with permission.
