March 21, 2008 GOOD FRIDAY
21 MARCH 2008, 1:00 P.M.
READINGS: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: While hanging on the cross Jesus speaks seven times that are recorded in the gospels. Today, on this Good Friday, let me address just three of those times.
1. Jesus says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It sounds very much like the words of a very desperate man. In fact, these are the opening words of Psalm 22. We should read the rest of the psalm. It is an ancient psalm known well by the Jews of his time. It is a prayer uttered by a man in deep agony. But he claims solidarity with everyone who suffers. The psalm affirms trust in God. In the psalm God comes to the rescue of the speaker. Just so, Jesus unites his cross with all of our crosses. Likewise, we should unite our crosses with his. The psalm, and Jesus, says “Suffering and death do not have the last word. Even the final suffering and death do not have the last word.” Grief and pain always have a companion, a companion bigger and wiser than pain; it is hope!
2. Jesus says, “I thirst!” There is an ancient legend which illustrates the meaning of these words. The legend tells about a young man who comes before a large crucifix to confess his sins. The young man freezes when one hand of the crucifix pulls away from the nail. From the table the hand picks up a cup and gives it to the young man. The Crucified Lord tells him that he thirsts, and he wants the young man to fill the cup with water and bring it back. The young man goes to a spring, but when he dips the cup, the spring goes dry. He walks to a valley with a mighty river, but as soon as he extends the cup, the river disappears into the earth. Finally, after crossing several mountains, he arrives at the ocean. But when he approaches the waves, the ocean begins to recede. Convinced that he cannot receive pardon, the young man begins to cry. He weeps so bitterly that tears fill the cup. In that instance, he realizes what causes the Lord’s thirst: his desire to save souls, to restore them to life. What the Lord wants from the young man is contrition, tears. He wants it of us all.
3. That brings us to the third message of Jesus. Jesus says, “It is finished!” He understands that the task of love he has been handed by the father is over. “It is finished.” The pain is over. His mission on earth is ended. Jesus knows he has fulfilled the will of the Father. C. S. Lewis once wrote about suffering. “God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain.” Someday we will all echo his words on our deathbeds, “It is finished.” Then, and whenever you are in pain, listen to the words of love shouted then by God.
Conclusion: As disciples of the Lord we should be certain to say,
• I too have been in solidarity with all who suffer.
• Lord, Jesus, let me satisfy your thirst with my tears.
• I have heard you calling in my nights, in my pain. What you cry out is your love.
Surely, we shall then hear the word of the Father beckoning us home!