Jesus was beaten. He was bruised and He was crucified on the cross. The cross is an interesting thing. It was invented as a means of torture, execution and death sentence. It was designed to express a painful, disgraceful, shameful, death. It was a symbol of hopelessness and punishment.

Today, the cross is a symbol of hope, forgiveness and new life. On this Good Friday, as we look at the cross we ask ourselves: Why we use a cross on our neck, ears, at the doorway, etc.? And what was accomplished on the cross? Just look at Jesus who was rejected and condemned by His own people; betrayed and denied by His own disciples and friends; and led to the death of a criminal. No one can go through such a greater suffering like Him.

Today, look at Jesus on the cross and say to Him, “Thank you Jesus, you did it for me. I will never forget it”.

Fr. George Packiasamy.