The Crucifixion of Jesus (19:25-34)
Can you still remember what Ninoy Aquino had said and even written in a 500-peso bill? He said: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” But are we worth dying for? Is there someone willing to die for us? Yes there is. He is no other than Jesus Christ because we are worth dying for since we are created in God’s image and likeness.
Today is Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion and we are remembering the death of Jesus, the Word made flesh, on the cross. This Friday is good because our redemption is finally accomplished. Heaven is opened for us. The fall of our first parents is happy because it was the cause for the coming of such a wonderful Redeemer and Savior as the Exultet says.
As we gaze upon the crucifix in today’s ceremony, let us ask ourselves what it means for us. What is our response to Jesus’ offer of salvation? It is because many of us now, Christians, are leaving our faith in God to a specific time and place. All of us know that this is wrong. It is because our faith must permeate our lives in all aspects and at all times. But how can? Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD in his homily suggests how. He says: “Let us make today’s Good Friday really and truly good by being good and by doing good. Good Friday was not some Friday that happened some 2,000 years ago. Good Friday is today and everyday when we remember with gratitude Jesus’ personal love for us and respond to this love by living a good life that overflows into love of others, especially the ‘little ones.’”
Communion Rite and Adoration (or veneration) of the Cross are part of today’s ceremony of Good Friday. We adore the cross because it is the special symbol of Christ Himself who is God. As we gaze at the dead Christ limp on the cross, we look forward to His coming resurrection.
I don’t have anything anymore to say about this event in the life of Jesus because this is it. This is salvation and we are saved by Him. Let us just listen and meditate in silence on the fact that Jesus has died for you and for me. Let us give thanks to God for this gift of His love and resolve to live the fruits of this gift all the days of our lives