HOMILY FOR HOLY FRIDAY — YEAR A
HOMILY FOR HOLY FRIDAY — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT THE FRIDAY?
BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke
Is 52:13-53:12; Heb. 4:14-16,5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42
Today, we remembered the day our Lord suffered and died for the salvation of Mankind. On this day three years ago, after instructing young seminarians on the need for meditative silence during the Triduum, one of them walked up to me and asked me “Fr, what is Good about Good Friday?” This question, perhaps, rings in our minds, especially on a day like this. In essence it should be a “sad Friday”: a day Christ suffered betrayal, denial, insults, crucifixion and death. The liturgy of today however brings out the goodness of the Friday.
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The first reading paints a beautiful picture of the day’s event. The suffering of the Lord’s servant is presented here. He was taken away by force and by law, despised by men, disfigured, humiliated and tormented. However, the pains he endured were necessary pains that merited us salvation.
In the second reading, Christ’s obedient suffering and death is the source of salvation for all who obey him. His death assures us of the eternal glory that awaits us after our death.
John’s passion narrative is unique. Jesus is conscious of his passion and death and willingly embraces it. No mention is made of praying for the cup to pass away. He enquires from the soldiers themselves about their mission (Judas does not have to kiss first). His trial, passion and death are done without any regret. He is simply the great king that majestically accepts his death.
Beloved in the Lord, there are a lot of things Good about this Friday. Bearing humanity, Christ suffered and died that we may have a share of his divinity. There is no excuse again. We cannot claim that Satan holds us hostage. Christ has liberated us. Suffering can no longer be an excuse for derailing in faith. As we journey in a world full of pain and shame, trials and tribulations, the cross hangs as our sign of victory. It is through the route of suffering that our salvation came to us. Suffering is no longer synonymous with disgrace and defeat, but our participation in the passion of Christ to share his glory.
As we Mark this year’s Good Friday, may God give us the grace to savour his goodness and mercy which he purchased for us by his blood. May we endure the challenges that we encounter till we partake in the glory of his resurrection in this life and the life here after.
Thank God it is Good Friday.
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