Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Good Friday

April 3, 2026, John 18: 1 – 19:42

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040326.cfm

How Much Jesus Loves Us.

“He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” “There was no death more terrible than death by crucifixion. Even the Romans regarded it with a shudder of horror, and Cicero declared it was “the most cruel and horrifying death.” Tacitus said it was a “despicable death.” It was initially a Persian method of execution.

The Persians used it because they believed the earth was sacred and wanted to avoid defiling it with the body of an evildoer. So, they nailed him to a cross and left him there to die, relying on vultures and carrion crows to finish the job. The Carthaginians adopted crucifixion from the Persians, and the Romans learned it from the Carthaginians.” (William Barclay)

When Pilate hung the inscription above Jesus, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” he made a fool of our Lord as He hung beneath it.

What can anyone find attractive in someone hanging naked on a cross, fastened by nails through His wrists and feet? Such a sight of someone dying an excruciating death strips that person of all human dignity. As if crucifixion wasn’t enough, it not only killed the criminal, but its purpose was also to destroy the meaning and purpose He held in people’s minds and hearts.

Its horror was intended to shock people and leave a lasting memory. “He looked like a worm, and not a man, someone to be derided” (Isaiah). Jesus gave up every ounce of dignity he had as both man and God.

We can see why many people, including His disciples, abandoned Jesus when they realized He was headed to the Cross. Only a few, mostly women, stayed with Him as He hung on the Cross for three hours.

Peter’s denial shows how embarrassing it was to be linked to Jesus during His Passion. He threatened their safety. Killing His disciples would end His movement. I’d be scared too.

Abandoned and alone, Jesus embraced our sinful state during His Passion. It’s clearly not the horror of the Cross that draws us in, but His merciful love for us when we are at our worst. It’s the hope that with His help, we can finally turn things around, no matter how dire they seem.

Gospel Challenge: It would be helpful to reflect today on all that Jesus sacrificed as He hung on the Cross. What does He see in us that makes Him give up so much?

My friends, discover each day anew the goodness in your heart that Jesus knew was worth sacrificing everything for. It will become a fountain flowing from the heart of Jesus to all you pray for and encounter. In a word, let Jesus love you there every morning, and you will find His good Heart in each other.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com