Good Friday

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Jesus was incarnated for us. He was raised by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph for us. He was baptized for us. He was tempted by the Devil and prevailed for us. He was a preacher of the Good News for us. He performed miracles for us. He suffered persecution for us. He was abandoned, betrayed and bound for us. He was mistreated and found guilty for us. He was scourged and crowned with thorns for us. He was condemned and sentenced to crucifixion for us. He carried his cross and its humiliation for us. He was nailed to the cross for us. He was lifted up for all to mock for us. He was merciful even to his enemies for us. He granted mercy to the good thief for us. He bestowed his Blessed Mother Mary to all mankind for us. He felt abandoned for us. He thirsted for us. He accomplished everything for us. He sacrificed his body and blood for us. He handed over his spirit for us. He did all these things and more for us and we should make every effort to remember this throughout our lives and eternity.

Do we spend time every day recalling what Jesus has done for us? How can we use Jesus’ life of self-sacrifice as a model for our own lives? In what ways do we accomplish God’s Will through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, we thirst for your saving waters and the accomplishment of your will.

Amen.