Good Friday and Faith
Good Friday is one of the most solemn and sacred days in the Catholic Church. It is the day when Christians around the world pause to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. At first glance, Good Friday may seem like a day of sadness and loss. However, from a Catholic perspective, it is also a day filled with deep meaning, profound love, and above all, unshakable faith. Faith is the key that allows us to see beyond the pain of the cross and recognize the beauty of God's plan.
Faith is the act of trusting and believing in God. It is the belief that God is present, even when things are difficult to understand. On Good Friday, we are called to strengthen our faith, which is not always easy, especially when we reflect on the pain and suffering that Jesus endured. But in this very moment—when the world witnessed what looked like defeat—God's greatest victory was revealed. Faith allows us to believe that Jesus’ death was not the end, but the beginning of something extraordinary.
One of the central truths of Catholic faith is that Jesus freely gave His life out of love for humanity. His suffering and death on the cross were not forced upon Him; rather, they were a willing sacrifice to save us from our sins. This incredible act of love is known as the Passion of Christ. Through His death, Jesus opened the doors of heaven and made it possible for us to be reconciled with God. Faith helps us trust in this truth, even when we cannot fully understand the mystery of such a sacrifice.
Faith means trusting that God is always working for our good, even in the darkest moments of life. Good Friday reminds us to have faith in the Resurrection. While we mourn Jesus’ death, we do so with the hope that He will rise again—and He does. The Resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief. It proves that death is not the end and that new life is always possible. Faith in the Resurrection gives Catholics hope, strength, and the courage to continue on their journey, no matter the challenges they face.
Lastly, Good Friday inevitably causes us to reflect on our own sufferings. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). We are called to carry our own crosses—whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional. Faith helps us see that our suffering can have meaning when united with Jesus’ sacrifice. We are never alone in our struggles, because Christ has walked the path of pain before us and walks beside us still.
Faith allows us to believe in God’s love, to trust in His divine plan, to hope in the promise of the Resurrection, and to find purpose in our own suffering. While Good Friday is a day of mourning, it is also a day of deep reflection, love, and unwavering faith. It reminds us that out of great sorrow can come even greater joy—and that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are given the gift of eternal life. I pray you all have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter.