Is 52: 13-53:12; Heb 4; John 18:1-19:42.
Towards the Glory of Easter: The power of the Cross.
Today, we celebrate the day where Jesus was cruelly tortured, beaten, put to death by crucifixion, so as to reign over all. St. Paul told us that:
“God has highly exalted him and gave the name which is above every name” (Phil 2:9).
The Cross in spite of its humiliation, its pains and suffering, is powerful because according to the Gospel of John, The cross is the throne of power for Jesus. He is the divine King who is in charge and in command.
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”
Jesus was firm, courageous and confident, yet his enemies were rather frightened. The cross is a power. Jesus is raised on the Cross so that we can contemplate his power on the Cross. If you look closely at the cross, it will speak to your heart. The cross will challenge you and help you ask those fundamental questions of life. How did that man get there? What did he do? What sin did he commit? Why such a tragic death? Who is Jesus for me? Why did he need to suffer innocently? If Jesus is indeed God, then who is God?
God reveals himself on the cross as Isaiah tells us in the first reading
“See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him — so disfigured did he look that he seemed no longer human — so will the crowds be astonished at him, and kings stand speechless before him; for they shall see something never told and witness something never heard before: ‘Who could believe what we have heard, and to whom has the power of the Lord been revealed?”
God reveals himself on the cross. And the question should be - what does this cross reveal about ourselves?
The cross reveals us two important things.
1. The cruelty of our human heart
It reveals to us the cruelty of the human heart; It reveals to us our sins; our violence, our desire to get everything for ourselves by using all kinds of evil means. We should reflect on our sins. Let us be aware of what our wrong actions, and words can cause to others. The cross helps us to look at our personal sins.
2. The cross as the reminder of God’s mercy
God has sent his son to show his love for the world.
“God so loved the world that he sent his Only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The cross reveals the love of God for us. In Jesus we have the High priest who sympathizes with us in all our weaknesses, but sin. In Jesus, God wants us to approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence so that we can receive grace and help in time of need. No matter how red your sins are (Isaiah 1:18) come to the cross. By his sufferings, he has justified you and taken your sin; by his stripes, you have been healed and by his blood you have been restored. Look at the cross and see the mercy of God for you.
For this celebration to be meaningful for you, come here at the foot of the cross and release all those things that you are holding captive in your heart. There is no Good Friday without forgiveness! Let us remember the words of St. Paul today:
“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
Happy Good Friday!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac.