Good Friday

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. - Luke 23:34

Even as they crucify Him, He shows mercy. He knows why He is here on earth and takes the punishment with open arms.

Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. - Luke 23:43

The Lord shows mercy. There are two thieves, one on either side. One could care less, and jeers at our Lord. But the other sees that this man being crucified with thieves is innocent. He asks for mercy, knowing he has done wrong, he hopes that there might still be a place for him in God's kingdom. Our Savior shows his mercy and assures the repentant thief of a place in His kingdom.

Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother. - John 19:26-27

As He hangs dying, He ensures that His mother is seen to in her most painful hour. But He not only gives one last comfort to His mother, He is also giving her to the world. Behold your mother, Mary most holy.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? - Matthew 27:46

In the darkest hour, God the Father can not bear to look upon His son as Christ takes in the sins of the world. Christ calls to His father, but for God the Father to show mercy here would nullify all that had been done. God the Father turned His son over to the likes of man that man might be saved from their sins against the Father.

I thirst. - John 19:28

Christ has become man and brought Himself to that of level of His creation. He shows this here in His thirst and in His eventual death on the cross.

It is finished. - John 19:30

All that has been set by prophecy has come to pass. Christ has accomplished what He had come to do.

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. - Luke 23:46

As the prophecy is fulfilled, Christ hands His spirit over to the Father, that He might return to paradise with His Father.

This is our Lord God, become man and offering Himself for the sins of His creation. I think we often forget what truly happened. We see the image of a man on a cross, some even carry this image around our necks, but do we always remember what took place. The Triduum brings us to our knees, literally with the focus on the Last Supper, Christ's Sacrifice, and His Glorious Resurrection. I think this might be why the Triduum is my favorite season in the Catholic Church.