Glory on the Cross

On Holy Friday, we stand before the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and look upon the deepest mystery of our faith.

Many people looked at the crucified Jesus on that day and saw only a suffering man. They saw His wounds. They saw the nails. They mocked Him and treated Him like just another condemned person.

But the One hanging on the cross was the eternal Son of God. The hands pierced for us were the same hands that created the world. The head crowned with thorns was the head of the King of Glory. The One rejected by men was forever beloved by the Father.

They saw weakness, because the world often thinks strength means force, control, and power over others. But on Calvary, strength looked different. Strength was love that did not turn away. Strength was Jesus forgiving those who hurt Him. In that sacred hour, Jesus showed us that the greatest power is the power of self-giving love.

Then many believed that His death would end everything. They thought the story was over. But the One on the cross is the Lord of life. Death could touch Him, but it could not hold Him. The grave was near, but resurrection was already on the way. Even on Holy Friday, a quiet hope was shining through the darkness.

That is why this day, though full of sorrow, is never without hope. The One who dies on the cross is Holy and Immortal. The One who bows His head will rise again. The One who enters death will break its power from within.

Friends, you may be carrying your own cross today, a grief, a burden or a struggle, nobody fully understands. And maybe you do not yet see what God is doing. You do not have to understand everything to trust Him. On Friday, many did not understand. On Sunday, everything changed.

So today, stay near the cross. Bring Him your wounds, your fears, and your prayers. And pray with humble trust:

Holy God, when the world sees only weakness, let me see Your glory.

Holy and Mighty, when I feel tired, let me receive Your strength.

Holy and Immortal, when death feels near, keep me standing in the hope of Your resurrection.

Who was crucified for us, have mercy on us.