Good Friday presents a paradox like no other in the Church year. Our readings recount profound injustice, in which a good and innocent man – indeed, the God-Man – is sentenced to crucifixion by a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate, who suppressed the truth to placate a petulant mob. It is a day of brutality, cruelty, and suffering. Raw power is deployed in a way that is almost unthinkable, except we know that such power is still at work in this world. And yet we call this day Good.
Behold, behold, the wood of the cross
On which is hung our salvation
O come, let us adore.
We are called to pause and behold that which causes us to look away. Behold our God, who enters into our earthly life in its totality, including the horror of death, to bring the gift of life to those unworthy of this gift. Behold the separation and abandonment He suffered, so that we may may not suffer separation and abandonment in the grave. Behold His meekness and courage in choosing love instead of wielding earthly power against inferior and unworthy adversaries. Behold the stronger power of Truth, which lays bare the empty promises of the Adversary. Behold Mercy, instead of a severe justice, toward us – those who cause such affliction. Love is at work, which the world cannot understand.
For there can be no greater love shown upon this land than
In the one who came to die that we might live.
Behold, behold, the wood of the cross
On which is hung our salvation
O come, let us adore.
Edward Morse
Ed Morse is a professor of law who holds the McGrath North Endowed Chair in business law at Creighton. University School of Law. He and his wife Susan are Catholic converts. Together, they operate a family cattle farm in rural Western Iowa.
Writing these reflections over the past fifteen years has helped me to learn and grow in faith. Sometimes it has also chastened me by reminding me of the constant need to practice what we have learned as we live out our faith journey together. I am grateful for feedback and encouragement from my fellow travelers.
