Good Friday: Judgement or Mercy?

G“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”  which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  Words of supplication in agony; are not heard, seemingly!  But, God hears all of our prayers and certainly not only heard but felt the very agonizing request of His Son, writhing in pain and humanly asking why?  

We know, of course, the story of how to complete this part of the Paschal Mystery;  where the Cross appeared to end Jesus’ journey for our Redemption.  Yet, it wasn’t the end, nor would it evaporate in history like a breath of cold air never to be seen again.  It is real, lasting, and will leave an imprint of its effect upon all who believe.

A reality each believer relives each year as we walk the Via Dolorosa, beat our breasts with Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, and cry when Jesus is lifted on the Cross of indignation to die for you and me.  Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, our minds are filled with, “it should’ve been me” as another round of true forgiveness from Almighty God resurges within us.  

Go home and ponder these three hours spent in church, the small but significant sacrifice made today, and the hope of Easter Sunday completing the Paschal Mystery of sadness to joy in the Resurrection of Christ.

Mercy!  The only path from living in sin, to reaching into the confessional, and finding a God who doesn’t reject us, does not remember our sin, and grants absolution through the hands of a priest.  The priest, anointed to forgive in the name of Christ, says the words that removes the scourge of sin and condemnation from us.  

Jesus said; “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”  “Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”  (Jn. 3: 17 - 18).

God, through His Son Jesus Christ, does not pass judgement on those who will believe, but grants everlasting Mercy upon the ones He calls, and they respond in fact. 

This journey through Lent let us each discard the thoughts of judgement which could have been ours, and savor the Mercy that God willingly gives us:  believe and feel the touch of God through His Holy Spirit who dwells within.   

Ralph B.Hathaway Lent 2019