GOOD FRIDAY
“By his bruises, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).”
This verse affirms the reality of incarnation. The death of Jesus reveals our humanity. There are so many layers to the meaning of the crucifixion. It reflects our human condition in a deep and mysterious way. How can God suffer? Why do we suffer? What is the purpose of suffering and how does it make sense that it is part of creation?
Jesus grew up very aware of this brutal form of execution. The Romans used it as a way to deter slaves and criminals from stepping out of line. Crucifixion was a violent spectacle meant to humiliate and degrade its victims. It makes sense that Jesus doubted and experienced fear in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was aware of his fate. His journey to the cross involved a myriad of human emotions; doubt, fear, anxiety, pain, hurt, humiliation, loneliness and love… yes, love.
To understand the crucifixion of Jesus and for us to make meaning of the Passion of our Lord, we cannot lose sight of the importance of incarnation. The great mystery of God is God’s entering into our humanity. It is the ultimate expression of love and our evolution as created in God’s image. Jesus knew God would not end it all on the cross. Death is part of life. Just as life comes from volcanic ash or decaying matter in soil, death does not conquer life. As Jesus was betrayed, he forgave. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, he healed the ear of the soldier. His solidarity with our humanity includes pain and joy. As he was abandoned, he was loved by John and his mother at the foot of the cross. The death of Jesus was not the death of love, nor did it defeat life.
Good Friday does not stand as the only day we encounter and integrate the Passion of our Lord. We remember and celebrate at every gathering in community for the Eucharist. We relive the Passion when we experience tragedy and pain in our lived existence. The cross calls us to remember that love prevails. Our world continues to be a violent place where oppression and war rage on. But, the incarnation of our Lord points us to new life and to trust in the infinite love that surrounds us.
By his bruises, we are healed. Healing will happen, the third day will dawn and peace will reign. As we come together in prayer this Good Friday, may we remember that even in the darkness, there is light. Death has no power over love. Jesus on the cross is an image of the ultimate mystery of the incarnation. God’s love goes to the deepest parts of our humanity.
Jan Bentham is a retired Religion Coordinator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She is a musician, serving in music ministry at St. Ignatius Parish in Ottawa. She currently works at St. Paul’s University with the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program.
