Every time we look at a crucifix or image of Jesus on the Cross, we remember Christ’s sacrificial love, how He bled and died for all of us, including His enemies. Jesus cared about those who despised Him; while He was suffering, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Today, on Good Friday, we reflect on Christ’s passion and His love for us. How could we possibly repay Him?
Meditations on the Passion and Death of Christ answers this question. The Good Friday devotional walks us through Christ’s passion, including reflections and action steps we can take to improve our relationship with Christ.
When considering Jesus’s prayer to His Father to forgive His enemies, the Meditations suggests that if we want to imitate Christ, praying for our enemies is a good place to start; it’s the bare minimum for finding peace in our relationship with God:
Imitate Jesus praying from His Cross for His enemies, if you wish to have any part in the pardon He then sought to obtain for you. Be reconciled with your brother, if you wish to make peace with God…Excuse those who persecute you, and suffer in silence: forget and forgive. Hate sin, but not the sinner, because for him did Christ die, and for him did He sacrifice His life.
This Good Friday, honor Christ’s sacrifice by praying for those who have hurt you and by asking Christ to help you move on from the spite you may feel. Meditating on Jesus’s words will help you to better shine His light to those around you throughout the year, not just during Holy Week.
For more devotions that walk you through Christ’s passion, check out Meditations on the Passion and Death of Christ, sold here.
