The Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion: A Reflection on Good Friday
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, as the Vatican’s Prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, took the lead in presiding over the liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ in St. Peter’s Basilica on Good Friday afternoon. This day holds special significance as it is the only day of the year when Holy Mass is not celebrated.
The solemn liturgy consists of three parts: the Liturgy of the Word, culminating in the chanting of the Passion according to St. John; the Adoration of the Cross; and the reception of Holy Communion.
The Paradoxical Victory
During the liturgy, Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap, the Preacher of the Pontifical Household, delivered a profound homily. He highlighted the paradoxical nature of Good Friday, where the white of Holy Thursday transitions into the red of Christ’s Passion, inviting us to contemplate the supreme love revealed in His sacrifice.
Fr. Pasolini emphasized that Good Friday is not a day of defeat but of paradoxical victory.
The ‘Intelligence of the Cross’
The Papal Preacher urged the congregation to reflect on the “intelligence of the Cross,” a wisdom that stands in stark contrast to the artificial and predictive intelligence prevalent in today’s world. He emphasized that the Cross embodies a form of wisdom rooted in love and selflessness, rather than calculation and competition.
Referencing the Letter to the Hebrews, Fr. Pasolini delved into the mystery of Christ’s submission to the Father’s will, even in the face of immense suffering.
Three Transformative Moments
Fr. Pasolini guided the faithful through three pivotal moments in the Passion narrative that exemplify Christ’s trust and surrender. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross, each moment underscored the depth of Christ’s love and vulnerability.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of entrusting ourselves to the Cross, where true freedom and meaning are found through surrender and trust in God’s plan.
Words of Hope and Comfort
Ultimately, Fr. Pasolini left the congregation with words of hope, reminding them that the Cross, while not promising comfort, offers a profound promise of love and salvation.
On this Good Friday, as we contemplate the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice, let us anchor our hope in Him and embrace the transformative power of His love.
