Extra Meditation – Good Friday - 4/7/2023

If you have been following the passion of Christ, you know that throughout the night Jesus had enduring questioning, scourging, crowning with thorns and is condemned to death. The second and third Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary allow us to contemplate these events.

The fourth Sorrowful Mystery explains what happened as He was forced to carry his cross toward Calvary.

Matthew 27:31-32 says: “And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to be crucified. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.”

I think about what I might have felt or saw if I was one of the crowd along the road as Jesus carried his cross. Would I have jeered at him? Would I have cried tears of sadness and said some kind word to him? Would I have been the one asked to carry Jesus’ cross?

Walk with Jesus as you read these words I wrote about his journey to the cross, called “Walk With Me.”

The sweltering heat burns deeply into my already bruised and blistered back. I stumble slowly, laden under this immense crushing cross of sin. Blisters form, then break on my bare feet. I can feel the sharp sting of each stone and twig scattered on the dusty road.

Tear-stained faces of shrouded women line the side of the road on my left. To my right, mocking, shaking fists punch the stifling air in front of my face. I cannot tune out their jeering taunts, and I am sorrowfully reminded why I am here. The din threatens to consume me, but I listen anyway, straining to hear any small word of comfort.

Suddenly I feel the weight lessening on my back. I turn to see a man with a bewildered look cowering under the stare of one of the jaunty guards. The man struggles to raise the rough timber.

Our eyes lock for a second, and I manage a brief smile. His expression suddenly changes into a confident resolve. Hoisting the beam firmly onto his shoulder, he takes his place beside me, his arm gently brushing against mine.

My burden eased, together we trudge onward between the noisy crowds up the foreboding hill. I briefly close my eyes and let out a quiet sigh. My new friend will see me through.

I encourage you to spend some time today pondering the road Jesus walked that day. Had you been there, what would you have done? Can you shoulder a cross today? What blessing will Jesus give you as you ponder his walk?

Have a blessed Good Friday!

Faye

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