The Old Rugged Cross is the Emblem of our salvation

Ish 52:13-53:12, Heb. 4:14-16.5:7-9, Jn 18:1-19:42. Today we commemorate the day the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Saviour was condemned to die and picked up His Cross, enduring all the insults and torture, all the pains and struggles on the way of the Cross to Calvary just outside Jerusalem. The Good news, namely, that our Lord Jesus Christ turned ‘the silence’ that shrouded the day of His passion and Crucifixion into our moment of redemption. On this day, at His long awaited hour, amid pains, His Most precious blood flows out, washing away the sins of the whole world, turning an ordinary day into ‘the one and only GOOD FRIDAY'. The Cross which was for the Jews a sign of folly has become for us the emblem of Salvation, our anchor, rudder and hope (Cf. 1 Cor. 1:18).

Since the sacrifice of the Cross and the Mass is one and the same sacrifice, no Mass is celebrated today and tomorrow apart from the Paschal vigil Mass. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the Cross and desire what He desired, for the Cross exemplifies every virtue. If we seek the example of love: "Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down His life for His friends." If we seek patience, we will find no better example than the Cross. If we seek humility, let us look upon the crucified one. If we seek obedience, follow Him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. If we seek an example of despising earthly things, let us follow Him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the Cross He was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns and given only vinegar and gall to drink. The self-giving spirit of Jesus as He left this world is poured out and handed on to us. It is through His sacrifice on our behalf that all is consummated. His Cross offers us the grace and mercy of God, in whatever our state may be.

May the Good news of this Good Friday come back alive in each of us. For though fragile, with Christ at the centre, we are victorious! Amen!! Be safe and happy Good Friday!!!