GOOD FRIDAY

2009

 

Crucify him! Crucify him!

 

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

 

 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever noticed that at a funeral of a young person, we say how terrible it is for one to die so early in life? Let's think how the Mother of Jesus, Mary, must have felt when her son was taken in the prime of his life.

Jesus was on this earth 33 years, with three years of that being in ministry. The world changed forever from his short life on earth. From the crucifixion to this very day, and the days, weeks, months, and years till the end of time, this world will never be the same.

What must have been going through their mind of Mary, Mary Magdalene and John the Beloved as they looked at the torn, disfigured body of Jesus? The Son of God was dying on a cross as a most wanted criminal. Perhaps they even thought that the charade was over, and nothing more was to come of it. After Jesus died, the Apostles, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and a few other friends of Jesus, hid and locked themselves in a room for fear of what might happen to them as well.

Jesus arrived into the world in a manger, not his own home, and now died on a cross and was laid in a tomb that was not even his own, but one of a distant friend who did not believe. I am sure there was skepticism about Jesus, just as there is today in many minds. However, today we know what the outcome of the Crucifixion was, and how it has changed the world.

How often do we search for happiness? Do we really rely on the Son of God when we are in our most depressed state? Do we injure others and not ask for forgiveness? Do we attempt to “get ahead” and disregard the feelings and well being of those around us? Do we push the crown of thorns deeper and deeper into the head of Jesus when we put all things aside for our own well being? Look what is taking place around us. We have war, greed, indifference, prejudice, murder, lost civil pride, and have become so hardened when it is time to honor and love the Lord. Many times we either say or think, “what’s it all about,” and throw our hands in the air and give up.

Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do. These are words that we can put into our every day life. Jesus has been placed on the cross in so may ways by us, those before us, and those after us. It is Jesus' words that transcends to the Father, asking for the forgiveness of our many transgressions. It is by this cross that we are forgiven, loved, given new hope, and obtain our salvation.

Let's not lose heart or hope. It is the Christ Jesus that lifted himself up to the Father for our salvation and redemption. Let's take time from our busy lives and give time to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in true thanksgiving.


+Lawrence J. Harms, D. D.
Presiding Archbishop
ACCUS