Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25

History tells of the many ways that tyrants have used the threat of death and the fear of death to control people. The Romans used the cross as an instrument to manipulate and threaten. It was meant to terrify. It was a horrible punishment. It was painful and humiliating. The cross was a key to the power of Rome. 

The thing is that death as we know it is not what God intended for us. God intended us to be in paradise. Sin brought evil and death into the world.  On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus came to combat death and its effects – violence, hatred and all evils. He came to dispel the darkness so that we do not have to live in fear and he does it on a cross. 

Jesus submits to the agony, torture and pain of it all, accepting as St Paul says, “even death, death on a cross”. Even though the worst was poured on Him, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was more powerful. And today we hold up the cross of Jesus as a symbol of the triumph over the powers of the world. It is interesting and ironic that Pilate chose to place on the cross the declaration that Jesus is the King. Yes, Jesus is our King and Lord and Savior.

The instrument of death becomes the symbol of our redemption.

Today in solemn procession we proclaim , “The wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world. Come, let us adore.”

Deacon Paul Weireter