GOOD FRIDAY
April 7 2023
“Father, Forgive Them . . . ” “Jesus, Remember Me . . .”
“When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (One of the criminals) said, “ . . . this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ (Jesus)replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:34, 41b, 42)
Observing Good Friday is not the typical occasion people commemorate. Why would we want to give special status and remembrance to such a terrible event? There’s nothing “good” about it, as far as any of us can see, as we hear and read the accounts of brutality and unimaginable suffering. However, an ancient use of the English word “good” means “holy,” and this day of love and sacrifice is truly a holy day.
Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Luke provides us with a detailed account of the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus. Following the near-riot at the sham trial that led to the death sentence, and the painful walk to Golgotha, the Roman soldiers carry out the brutal execution, then raise the cross, with its gory burden, upright. And, after enduring all this in near-silence, Jesus speaks: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” How could he? He’s praying to God on behalf of his executioners! You can imagine that the word spread quickly from those close enough to hear him to those a little farther away. Perhaps people thought the pain had affected his mind; that what he said was irrational. Or did they recognize Jesus’ ability to love and care for all people, regardless of who they were?
The Gospel accounts tell us that two criminals (or thieves) were crucified at the same time as Jesus, one on each side. Only Luke’s Gospel describes one criminal mocking Jesus, challenging him to prove he is the Messiah by saving himself and them. The other man, however, recognizes that Jesus had done no wrong and was not deserving of such punishment. Whether he is desperate or he truly believes, he pleads for salvation through Christ, and receives the promise that he will be with Jesus throughout eternity.
The mid-afternoon darkness, the earthquake, and the powerful wind that tore the temple curtain, were terrifying events, leaving no doubt that the death of this man was a crime against God’s creation itself. And yet, centuries later, a few little sentences, so personal and intimate, are recalled by Christians around the world. Our Lord lived the gospel of love and forgiveness that he preached, and with some of his last words, he prayed for his killers and promised eternity to a terrified sinner.
Here, then, is the “good,” and more so, the “holy” of this day. God our heavenly Father, in his boundless love, brings healing and salvation to the ugliness, violence, and hatred of the day, and we see again the power of his love. On this day and every day, we remember the loving sacrifice that secured our salvation through Christ our Lord.
Trusting in God’s goodness every day,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers