Today, as we gather on this solemn Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the cross, gazing upon Jesus, the innocent Lamb, who suffers and dies for the salvation of the world. This is a day of silence, sorrow, and profound reflection-a day when we confront the mystery of suffering. Suffering is a universal experience, touching each of us in unique ways: physical pain, emotional wounds, loneliness, loss, rejection, or failure. In our deepest struggles, we may cry out, “Why, God? Why must I carry this heavy cross?” On this day, Jesus does not offer us a simple explanation. Instead, he gives us something far greater: his presence. He suffers with us and for us, showing that suffering, when united with love, becomes redemptive.
Consider the depth of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Crucifixion was a brutal execution, designed to maximize pain and humiliation. Nails pierced his hands and feet; his body hung in agony, gasping for every breath. Beyond the physical torment, he endured emotional and spiritual anguish: betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, abandoned by most of his disciples, and bearing the weight of humanity’s sins. Yet, in this suffering, Jesus did not despair or curse his fate. He forgave those who crucified him, entrusted his mother to John, and promised paradise to the repentant thief. His suffering was not passive endurance—it was an active choice to love, even unto death. As the prophet Isaiah foretold, “By his wounds, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Through his agony, he brings us healing; through his cross, once a symbol of shame, he offers us salvation.
Jesus teaches that suffering, though painful, is not the end but a transformative journey. He instructs us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Every one of us carries a cross—some burdens are evident, while others remain concealed within. How we respond to these challenges defines our path, and Jesus offers a model to follow. Rather than fleeing our cross, we should embrace it as Jesus did, trusting it aligns with the Father’s plan. Avoiding suffering often amplifies our distress, but meeting it with courage invites grace into our lives. Trusting in God’s purpose is essential, even when the reasons for our pain elude us; just as the Father upheld Jesus on the road to Calvary, he supports us through our trials.
Moreover, Jesus shows us that uniting our suffering with his sacrifice transforms it from mere torment into a source of holiness. Practices like praying the Stations of the Cross or the Sorrowful Mysteries can deepen this connection. Strength also comes through prayer and community—Jesus relied on Simon of Cyrene, reminding us we’re not meant to bear our crosses alone. By supporting others and accepting help, we reflect God’s love. When we carry our cross alongside Jesus, we grow in faith and compassion, transforming not only our suffering but our entire lives, drawing us nearer to him and each other.
Good Friday is not the end of the story. The cross leads to the resurrection. If we carry our crosses with faith, we will share in Christ’s victory. Today, as we venerate the cross, let us bring our own burdens to Jesus. Ask for the grace to suffer with love, to forgive even when it hurts, and to trust in God’s plan. Our suffering is not meaningless—it is a path to deeper love, greater faith, and eternal life. May this Good Friday renew our resolve to walk with Jesus, embracing our crosses as he embraced his, confident that beyond the pain lies the glory of Easter morning.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil