Good Friday April 9, 2004 Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: Near the cross of Jesus there stood his mother. Seeing his mother there with the disciple whom he loved, Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, there is your son.” In turn he said to the disciple, “There is you mother.” From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care. - John 18:1 19:42 How often as a young child did I question the reason to call “Good Friday,” “good?” I reflected on those words of Jesus, “Woman behold your Son,” and, “Son take care of your mother.” In these dying words of Jesus to his mother and John, he was looking to take care of all humankind. This is an awesome thought that Jesus’ last words were to take care of you and me, his Church. These words of Jesus give us a profound message with deep theological meaning. Let us reflect on the simple and obvious message. In the face of dying, Jesus selflessly took care of you and me, his Church. When we are faced with our own grief can we reach out to others? Are we all so taken up with our own difficulties that we cannot get past them? Suggested Action: Let us ask God to give us the strength to reach out to others as we ourselves suffer. Good Friday is “good” because Jesus gave us Mary as our Mother. Turn to Mary, our mother, and accept the gift that Jesus gave us from the cross. Sr. Margaret Mary Kane, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania