See part I here.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Part 2 of Triduum 2021 April 2, 2020
Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette
The theme of this Triduum is perfection; being complete according to God’s will. Perfection comes from the same Greek word as finished. Last night, we saw that this perfection begins not with our resolutions or ideas, but with encountering Jesus Christ and accepting his love for us. There is a real need to experience this, to feel the love of God manifest. But we also recalled that feelings aren’t what is most important.
Having had their feet washed and receiving the Eucharist, the Apostles had this encounter. Three years they spent experiencing again and again the way Jesus loved them. Yet today we see only one who remains at the foot of the cross, John who is called the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” Does this mean the other disciples are not loved? No. Jesus, who is God, loves everyone always. But this title recognizes that John, in a particular way, accepted that love… he received more fully than the rest by seeing past the experience to its meaning. And let’s not forget the many women who followed – women have always been better at accepting God’s love and staying with him.
Perfection – a life of meaning and happiness – begins with an encounter with Jesus, but it is only brought to completion in one way: Through the cross. There are many who have encountered God, who for a time were glad to pray, to be involved in a Church, to serve others. Often, they do these things and the feeling, the experience of that encounter remains fresh. They enjoy these things and that is good.
But the time comes when feelings betray us, when we do not enjoy these things. God reveals his love for each of us individually through experience… he seeks to root us in himself, to build up in us trust much as he did with the Apostles. But that trust has a purpose. The feelings, the experiences, the consolations… they are not the goal. We ought to be grateful, but if we rely on them alone, we shall end up like Peter or Judas. Peter, moved by the encounter at the last supper makes grand promises. Once that feeling fades and the feeling of fear sets in, he runs… he denies. Judas, moved by the charisma and leadership of Jesus, follows him. But as that feeling fades, he begins to resent that his feelings and his expectations aren’t met, so he resorts to treachery.
When the darkness comes – and it will come – being too narrowly focused on what we feel and experience in the moment will not carry us. It is the moment of passion and death that calls us to see past the experiences to the deeper reality of the trustworthiness of God. Do we love and trust God because of how he makes us feel? Or do we love and trust him because he is worthy of it, even when we feel nothing?
Perfection begins with encounter, but it matures through trial. Yes, perfection means we can still cry out “why have you forsaken me,” but it also means that this is followed by “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Not “I commend my spirit if you give me what I want.” “I commend my spirit” because I remember. Throughout the story of the Passion, John’s gospel reminds us of what passages in scripture are fulfilled. So when we face our passion, we must recall the Lord’s promises, his words, his trustworthiness. I commend my spirit knowing I am not alone. Even if I cannot feel it, Mary and the saints are there with me, given me by the Lord to help me when I come to the cross.
Do you want a life worth living? Be the beloved disciple. Be the faithful women. Encounter Christ, receive his love, and see through that love that he can be trusted no matter what. Cling to that trust when you face the cross. Remember the Lord’s promises and the good he has already done. Look to the Church and the saints who are with you. Then commend your spirit knowing that it is only a matter of time until he says “it is finished.” Or perhaps we should translate it “it is perfect.”
Part III is here