By Vimal Kumar A. csc –
Readings: Is 52: 13 – 53: 12; Heb 4: 14-16, 5: 7-9; Jn 18: 1 – 19: 42
Today, we are on another important day in this Lent season, Good Friday. Gospel narrates the dramatic events of Jesus’ passion and death. Just before Jesus’ passion, the shouts of elation by the crowd elevated Jesus’s kingship and the same crowd later will turn to accusing him, saying “crucify him”. So, Jesus’ story is not merely a royal entry to Jerusalem alone but also an entry of betrayal, false accusations, shame, denial, suffering and death.
It is very painful when we experience such betrayal, denial and suffering caused by our own family members, friends, relatives etc. We feel that we are lonely and despondent and refuse to trust anyone. But it is also just and fair because when we look into ourselves, we find that many
times personally and deliberately, we have damaged someone’s dignity and self-respect by false accusations, jealousy, denial of freedom and opportunities, betrayal, and disloyalty in friendship.
It happens frequently because we forget to feel the pain of others. As we witness Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, let as also acknowledge the suffering and pain of others in this society such as poor, the marginalised, employees, COVID-19 patients, caregivers, medical professionals, doctors, nurses, public servants etc. and let us ask plead mercy from the Lord for our stubbornness, selfishness and disloyalty and for denying others self-respect and dignity.