GOOD FRIDAY

​There were three crosses on Golgotha.  On the right and on the left were two robbers being crucified for rebellion and murder. On the central cross, Jesus died for our sin. On one side of Jesus hung a criminal who taunted Jesus in disbelief; he died in sin. On the other side of Jesus, however, hung a criminal who believed in Jesus. He scolded the mocker and begged, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” He died to sin and, Jesus promised would be with him in Paradise that very day. On the central cross (with its mocking title, “Jesus the Nazarene king of the Jews,” in three languages) hung a sinless Sufferer!  He was dying for the sins of the world.  Hanging on that cross, Jesus spoke seven times during the closing moments of his earthly life.  It has been an age-old practice in the Church to reflect on these last words of Jesus from the cross as an integral part of Good Friday observance so that we may repent of our sins and resolve to renew our lives and thus participate fully in the joy of Jesus' Resurrection.