| |
We have seen earlier the importance of both history and mystery in the Church's liturgical celebrations. On Good Friday we read the story of the Passion from the Gospel of John. Earlier in his Gospel John affirmed: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. On Good Friday we read the historical account of Jesus' death on the Cross for love of us. John has a special detail in his Passion Narrative: a soldier pierced Jesus' side to make sure he was dead. We understand that he probably pierced Jesus' right side so that the spear went through his body and pierced his heart.
The heart is a normal and easily acceptable symbol of love. Thus later on in the Ordinary Time of the Year, we have the Feast of the Sacred Heart, where we are invited to reflect more deeply on the mystery of God's love for us, that love which was manifested in the gift of God's Son, who died for love of us. The feast of the Sacred Heart has its own history in the Church, but we may see its historical roots in the piercing of Jesus' side.
Lord Jesus, in our celebration of Good Friday, deepen our understanding of Your love for us manifested in your death upon the Cross and symbolized in Your pierced heart.
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
That through its compelling preaching of the Gospel, the Church may give young people new reasons for life and hope.
Elaboration
|
|
