“Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world.”
“Come, let us adore.”
“My people, what have I done to you? Or how have I grieved you? Answer me!”
“I put in your hand a royal scepter, and you put on my head a crown of thorns.”
“I exalted you with great power, and you hung me on the scaffold of the cross.”
Good Friday has always been a powerful day for me. Even in my earliest years as a child my parents marked this day with solemnity. Getting to venerate the cross, even though I had not yet made my first communion, was a chance to be like the “adults” in the church. I may not have grasped the significance at five years of age, but I knew there was something different about this day. That sentiment has continued all these years.
It has been a wonderful Lenten season for me. I truly sense that these days of penitence have borne fruit in my life. I am grateful for God’s grace that my prayer life has been enhanced through a stricter discipline embraced during these days. I was also touched by the goodness of people all across the state of Wyoming as I presented an RCIA retreat, a women’s retreat, and gave two parish missions. Seeing the faith of God’s people during these events was a real boost to my spiritual quests.
Finally, as I get older, the reality of my mortality seems to be more prevalent. Losing my mom last October, a brother-in-law last September, another brother-in-law the year before, and a number of friends in recent months, has been a sobering experience. Experiencing repeated health issues of my own reminds me that our time here on earth is limited. We are simply on a pilgrimage. We do not know the day nor the hour when we will be called home. Today’s solemn service gives us the clear message to be prepared at all times.