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April 14, 2017Reflection Good Friday April 16, 2017
Sr. Rosemary Sherman, RSM on the Gospel of Mark
In an unlikely place, unimaginable hope was born. Calvary. Who would have thought hope could ever come from there? The women who stood under the Cross? Those crucified with Jesus? What about us?
Are your hope and your heart with Jesus today? With Jesus whose prayer and trust in God led Him to push beyond despair and the cries of the crowd to face death and the ultimate surrender of His life here on earth?
We just heard “Truly this man was God’s Son!” How did the centurion know that? Did he experience a conversion of heart and could not help but follow the Spirit’s lead? Did he sense God’s presence? Was there something so deep within him that he couldn’t remain silent? I suspect the answer to each of these questions is a resounding YES!
And what about us today? Are we willing to give testimony and hope in something beyond the cross and the finality of death?
That reminds me of someone I know who definitely did. A dear friend of mine died last October. I can still remember the last time I saw and spoke with them. It was a beautiful July day almost 3 months before they died. They were in their element, hopeful, happy for the visit, grateful for the day. A clear, living testimony of one who hoped and trusted in God as they lived a faithful life of service and headed to their final days on earth. And this Lenten season, the sense of resurrection has been different for me as a result. It is as if I can hear them singing and see them smiling, full of new life!
Proving once again that suffering is a part of everyone’s life but it is never, ever the last word!
You see, it is within the Good Fridays of our lives that we find our redemption. Good Friday teaches us that God can be trusted. My friend knew that and lived that right up until when they had their heart’s desire and were with their loving and gracious God.
In the midst of Jesus’ agony today, Jesus trusted in God. It may seem that God was silent when Jesus cries out: “eloi, eloi lema sabachthani” but we know that silence is filled with God’s love, merciful forgiveness and hope. And Jesus cries out with hope, confident that He knows the Father always hears Him, that God will never abandon us. Jesus was fulfilling His heart’s desire.
When we see Jesus on the Cross, He is the one with open hands – emptying Himself, holding nothing back including His forgiveness.
And so, we are called to be witnesses. But, that is not easy. For we are called to be witnesses like Veronica. To minister to those who carry their cross today, to wipe the blood and spit and tears from the faces of those in need and pain.
We are called to be witnesses like Simon of Cyrene. To be unexpectedly pressed into service to willingly follow behind Jesus, carry the cross, and lift the burdens of Christ in our midst.
This Jesus Who said:
Has no one condemned you?
Pick up your mat and go home.
Leave her alone.
Come and see.
And last night said take, eat, stay with Me now says few words and lets His very presence say it all. And in the end, as He was dying for us, asks the Father to forgive. His witness, His testimony is clear.
What about each of us today on this Good Friday?
Are we witnesses of Jesus?
Can you say “truly this man was God’s Son?”
If not, why not? Where is your heart?
Can’t your hear the singing?
