Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
I have somewhat of a “love-hate” relationship with Good Friday. The fasting is challenging (at least for me it is). We’re very close to Easter but aren’t there yet. We have to face the cross first, the suffering. It’s not easy. Yet there’s also the beauty of the cross, the beauty of this mid-point of the Triduum – the liturgy and rituals that the Church, in her wisdom, provides us with in its fullness. We know there truly is no Easter without the Cross, there is no resurrection without death. Yet, I’d prefer to avoid the “death” part, the suffering, not just mine (as minor as it is), but Jesus’ suffering – which, as we read in today’s passion narrative from John, Peter tried to prevent with the sword, and then (very humanly) out of fear and weakness later denied even knowing Jesus.
Yes, we hear about Peter in his weakest moments, but there’s also the resoluteness and faithfulness of the three Marys at the foot of the cross: Mary, Jesus’s mother; Mary, the sister of Jesus’ mother; and Mary of Magdala. (This is one of those times that I feel thankful that my parents gave me the middle name of Mary.) And the disciple John, whom from the cross Jesus charged with the care for his mother.
Do I have the courage to stand at the foot of the cross with them today? Or do I find myself avoiding and denying, out of fear, like Peter? What about you? Maybe, like me, it depends on the day, or the moment. Thankfully, as we are reminded in today’s Letter to the Hebrews, “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.”
“So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” (Hebrews 4:16) May this be our prayer today, this Good Friday, through the intercession of the three Marys who stood at the cross, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate fully the joy of the resurrection, the Risen One in our midst.
—Eileen Miller