Good Friday, the middle of the Triduum, the three days between Maundy Thursday and Easter. The day where we remember Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion.
Our invitation into worship was a prayer and reminder Jesus’ death is the action which saves humanity from condemnation to death in sin. Our Hebrew scripture from Isaiah is the song of the Suffering Servant and a description of the one who would redeem the Jews from their sin. The Psalmist’s refrain is a cry which asks where God is as we suffering. The reading the letter to the Hebrews encouragement to a community which is tired and confused, and a reminder that Jesus’ death is the truth which transcends our understanding. Our Gospel was from John’s Gospel and relates the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.
Good Friday is our assurance that we are claimed by God, not through our merit but by our relationship with God. This is a day which doesn’t make sense because we find ourselves asking how Jesus’ death is good, and the response is Jesus’ death connects us to the grace given by God. Good Friday is a reminder that Christ still reigns, and that the final outcome of Christ’s sacrifice hasn’t been made real, and people are still fighting against Christ. But more importantly, Good Friday reminds us that we can be certain about what lies at the end of the road but we won’t understand how we get there. We simply let God love us just as we are and we’ll find out.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42.
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/good-friday-sermon-1
