Mar
21
Intimate Union with Christ
March 21, 2008 |
This day is one to spend in intimate union with the Lord. Good Friday - the day to truly be there with Christ in body, mind and spirit as he sacrifices himself to save us and bring us to the fullness of redemption.
Let us all be in church at some point today. Let us gaze upon Christ on the Cross. Attending a service. Kissing the cross. Truly contemplating the words, “[t]his is the wood of the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.”
Let us really listen to the Passion - placing ourselves in the scene. Placing ourselves in the sandals of the apostles who for the most part spent this day watching from afar. Placing ourselves with the grieving women, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus - all of whom stepped up in Jesus’ last hours and the immediate aftermath of his death.
Let us pray the Way of the Cross, walking the path that Jesus walked that faithful day - for us. Let us pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and join ourselves to the sorrow of our Blessed Mother. Being with her as she suffers through the death of her son.
Let us fast as an act of love to Christ. Focusing on pray, not the emptiness of our stomachs. Eating only what is necessary to give us the minimum amount of strength and energy for the day - while staying within the guidelines of our Church. Fasting from all activity except prayer, work, service, and watching at least some part of the first round of March Madness.
Let us truly pray today with all of the faithful throughout the world for the Church, the Pope, the clergy and laity of the Church, those preparing for baptism, the unity of Christians, the Jewish people, those who do not believe in Christ, those who do not believe in God, all in public office, and those in special need.
At the final blessing today, we hear -
“Lord, send down your abundant blessing upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son in the sure hope of the resurrection. Grant them pardon; bring them comfort. May their faith grow stronger and their eternal salvation be assured. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
May we live today in the fullness of Christ and be worthy of the promise of this blessing. May we be worthy of the mercy, forgivenss, and salvation offered by Christ. May we show our gratitude to the one who has given us all things.
Let us have a truly holy Good Friday.
