Friday, April 18, 2014, Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25, John 18:1-19:42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041814.cfm
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
"Who would believe what we have heard?" -Isaiah 53:1
At one time or another in our lives, each of us has been astounded by something we've heard. Pause and reflect for a moment. Ponder with utter amazement precisely what Jesus proclaimed through His obedience two-thousand years ago. He first suffered, "and when perfected, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Furthermore, "at the appointed time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for us godless men" and women (Rm 5:6).
Jesus spoke loud and clear that fateful day. His filial trust in the Father makes this Friday very good. Jesus abandoned Himself to the Father's will and prayed, "Into Your hands I commend My Spirit" (Ps 31:6; cf Lk 23:46).
Stop and meditate upon the magnitude of the event. In our ignorance we, the creatures, killed the Creator. Are we any better than the Roman soldiers, who "repeatedly...came up to Him and said, 'All hail, King of the Jews!', slapping His face as they did so"? (Jn 19:3) Or are we more like Pontius Pilate? When we hear Jesus proclaimed as God's Son, are we "more afraid than ever"? (see Jn 19:7-8)
In the end, when "it is finished" (Jn 19:30), call to mind that "fear is useless. What is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Remember, "He wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth" (1 Tm 2:4). That is very Good News.
Prayer: Jesus, into Your hands I commend my life.
Promise: "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed." -Is 53:5
Praise: (none)
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 30, 2013
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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