『The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, 

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.』

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

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

We have a great High Priest,

Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess.  Our high priest is not indif­ferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning.  Let us, then, with confidence approach the throne of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time.

Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his humble submission.   

Although he was Son, he learned through suffering what obedience was,   and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him. This is how God proclaimed him Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

 

Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17-25

Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Friday, April 15

Gospel: John 18:1-19:42*

 (...) Bearing his cross, Jesus went out of the city to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There he was crucified, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus in the middle.

 Pilate had a notice written and fastened to the cross, which read: Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews. (...) The chief priests said to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews'; but, 'This man claimed to be King of the Jews." Pilate answered them, "What I have written, I have written."

 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part for each of them. But as the tunic was woven in one piece from top to bottom, they said, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots to decide who will get it." This fulfilled the words of Scripture: They divided my clothing among them; they cast lots for my garment. This was what the soldiers did.

 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister Mary, who was the wife of Cleophas, and Mary of whom he loved, he said to the mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "This is your mother." And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home.

 Jesus knew all was now finished and, in order to fulfill what was written in Scripture, he said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of bitter wine stood there; so, putting a sponge soaked in the wine on a twig of hyssop, they raised it to his lips. Jesus took the wine and said, "It is accomplished." Then he bowed his head and gave up the spirit. (...)

 

 Gospel Reflection：

God Is Dead

 Nietzsche's famous declaration "God is dead" is a popular war cry for many atheists. However, not many are aware of his very next words: "God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers?" [italics added.] If God died, it is because we, the creatures, killed him.

Human language fails to communicate the import and emotion of this day. Hence, let us do this today: Choose one of these moments: Gethsemane, or at the foot of the cross, or at the tomb where he was laid. Place yourself in that space, in that holy moment.

Observe the sentiments that arise within you. Share them with him. But do not lose heart. Nietzsche was only partially right: God wouldn't remain dead; he will wake up soon, right into our lives, giving us second and more chances.