Daily Gospel Reflection for April 7, 2023: Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

As I was reading the passion of Christ, this stood out to me: Before they even looked for Jesus to condemn Him, He came forward. Jesus was a stand-up guy and did not even defend Himself. His disciples, on the other hand, did not have the courage to stand by His side or defend him. They had walked with Him and talked with Him; they knew Him as friend and brother. However, when the chips were down, some ran away, and others denied Him. Jesus had taken these twelve disciples under His wing to teach, heal, and most of all, love them for three years. He was the living water Who had quenched their thirst. He was the bread of life Who had fed their souls. Now Jesus stood naked and alone. Placed on the head of the King of Glory was not a royal crown but rather a crown of thorns, piercing His head, causing blood to drip down His forehead.

Where were those followers who had lined the streets shouting, “Hail to the King!” with their palms waving? On the streets now was an angry mob yelling, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Knowing everything that was going to happen to Him, Jesus still stood erect, with the cross crushing into His shoulder as He walked all by Himself down the streets of Calvary. Few were even found at the cross as Jesus took His last breath.

The pain and suffering Jesus endured were unbearable. No one among us has felt pain to this magnitude. However, the emotional pain of a friend not standing up for us, we can all relate to. Ask yourself this question: Would I have run away or stood by His side?

Ponder:

Have I ever run away from Jesus, denied Him, or hidden my faith in Him from others? Have I done this to a friend?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, let me always be grateful for what You have done for me. Teach me to be a person of integrity who will stand up for You even if I stand alone or persecuted in Your name.

Click to tweet:
Where were those followers who had lined the streets shouting, “Hail to the King!” with their palms waving? On the streets now was an angry mob yelling, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” #DailyGospel

Daily Gospel 2