Holy Week: Good Friday Reflection
At the beginning of the service, Fr. Dom prostrated himself at the altar surrendering himself completely to God.
In his homily, Fr. Dom explained that it is a Good Friday – a bloody Friday because Jesus was crucified today. He said many of us do not want to dwell in the darkness or be in sorrow, we hope for this day to pass rather quickly so that we can celebrate Easter. But without today, there would be no Easter. He quoted Jn 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” It is a love so great. Life begins at the cross- pain and sorrow are part and parcel of lives. We have to carry the cross and follow Jesus (MK 8:34)
He then reminded the congregation of the last 7 seven words of Jesus:
- Father forgive them (Lk23:34)-Even hanging on the cross, he had great compassion and thought only of his flock.
- I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. (Lk 23:43)- He was merciful
- When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (Jn 19: 26-27)- He loved his mother so much that he did want her to be alone.
- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?(Mat 27:46)- We see both his divine and human nature.
- I am thirsty. (Jn 19:28)
- It is finished. (Jn 19.30)
- Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Lk 23:46)
He said we have a merciful and a compassionate Lord. He then reminded the parishioners who had taken the rock a week ago to place it at the cross outside. He said surrender all the hurts, pain and struggles to Jesus and leave it at the feet of the cross and ask Jesus to liberate you.
Many stood by the cross and placed the stones – placing their hurts and pains and struggles – trusting Jesus to liberate them.
Unveiling of the Cross
Veneration of the Cross
