Good
Friday is day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.To Christians all over
the Cross, on which Jesus died has become the symbol of their faith. To them
the cross is a reminder of suffering and pain which they must bear in this life
for eternal life.What should the cross mean to us today?
Today the cross to us refers to the numerous trials and
tribulation that we have to undergo in life from the time of birth till death;
as a student, working adult, a husband or wife, a parent, a caring child to our
parents, a retiree and finally as a neglected elderly parent during the last
days of our lives.
It refers to the many troubles we face in standing up for
truth and justice in this world where the meek and humble are bullied. It
refers to the many challenges we face in bringing up our children through thick
and thin. It refers to the pain we undergo when our children neglect us at the
time when we need them most. It refers to the pain and suffering we undergo
when a major illness or tragedy strikes us and our families. Finally it refers
to the pain that we go through when someone close leaves us and when people who
meant so much us betray us.
The cross
should remind us for the need to have a heart to forgive even the cruelest and
those who do all kinds of harm to us. It should also remind us not resort to
anger, hate or violence even against those who hurt us. The words of Jesus as
he hung dying on the cross, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they
are doing”, is a clear reminder that we should love and forgive even those who
persecute and harm us.
As we venerate the cross today let us remember the many
people around us who may be suffering like Jesus on that fateful day of his
crucifixion. Let us remember the many people who are longing for food, shelter
and above all for our love and consoling words and physical presence.
Let us pray for those suppressed and despised in society and
those seeking justice from the unjust. Let us pray for those seriously ill or
dying. Let pray asking God to give us the courage and a loving heart to bring a
little comfort to them.Let us pray for the conversion of sinners especially those in our own families;our rebellious and disobedient children,our vengeful siblings and friends.let us pray for our leaders that they will begin to walk in righteousness,giving out justice,peace and goodwill to the people. Let us finally pray that God give us the virtue
forgiveness, to forgive even our worst enemies.
Good Friday is a time to seek forgiveness from those we hurt
and repentance for all our sins against others – parents, children, friends and
those we encounter. It is a time to get out of our sinful lives and return to
the path of righteousness and good morals.
The cross is not a symbol of sorrow but one of love,
sacrifice and forgiveness
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