Good Friday | Friday 29 March 2024

Today is Good Friday, the 29th March.

Juliano Ravanello sings Hino Christológico, a setting of the Christ hymn from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
Jesus Christ is The Lord
For the Glory of God the Father
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Of divine nature
though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.

As we prepare to pray on this Good Friday, imagine yourself walking towards Calvary with Jesus… notice if there are any words, gestures or actions you feel moved to make as you go with him…

Jesus Cristo e o Senhor
Para a Gloria de Deus Pai
Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo
De natureza divina
Nao exigiu ser tratado
Na qualidade de Deus
Mas despojou-se ele mesmo
Tomando a forma de servo
Igual aos homens sem tudo
E simples homem julgado
Quis humilhar-se a si proprio
E obediente mostrou-se
Ate a morte de cruz
E por isso Deus o exaltou
E o destituiu como homem
Que todo homem supera
Ao nome pois de Jesus
Todo joelho se dobre
No ceu, na terra e sob a Terra
E toda lingua proclame
Para o esplendor de Deus Pai
Que Jesus Cristo e o Senhor
Jesus Cristo e o Senhor
Para a Gloria de Deus Pai
Jesus Christ is The Lord
For the Glory of God the Father
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Of divine nature
Did not demand to be treated
in the quality of God
But he stripped himself
Taking the form of a servant
Just like men without everything
And simple man judged
I wanted to humiliate myself
And obediently showed
to the death of the cross
And for this God exalted him
And dismissed him as a man
That every man overcomes
To the name of Jesus
Every knee bow
In heaven, on earth and under the earth
And every tongue proclaim
To the splendor of God the Father
That Jesus Christ is Lord
Jesus Christ is The Lord
For the Glory of God the Father


Today’s reading is from the letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5:7-9

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

There’s nothing worse, when we’re feeling low, than having someone say, ‘I know what you’re feeling’, but Jesus really does know what being tested feels like. The author of Hebrews describes Jesus at his weakest and most vulnerable. How do you react to this portrait of him?

Knowing how closely Jesus has entered into our brokenness, we are encouraged to ask God for mercy and grace. This is what we are offered through the suffering of Jesus. What mercy and grace are you seeking right now?

As we listen to the reading being repeated, we’re reminded of the human anguish and loneliness of Jesus. We also remember that, through his suffering, he becomes the source of our grace-filled salvation. What response arises within you as you reflect on this?

The reading speaks of Jesus submitting to the Father. This is not about defeat or surrender, but about a victory won through deep union and self-giving. As you reflect on what such self-giving might mean for you, what do you want to say to or about the crucified Jesus?

We adore you O Christ and we bless you
For by your Holy Cross and resurrection, You have redeemed the world.
Amen