A Unique Opportunity for Redemptive Suffering - Good Friday - Episode 20

Overall Takeaways

As the coronavirus crisis stretches into the Triduum this year, we have a unique opportunity to embrace suffering in union with our Lord. Just as everything was stripped away from Him; many things are being stripped away from us this year. It's time to embrace His suffering and unite ourselves with the Body of Christ.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

"Even as many were amazed at him
so marred was his look beyond human semblance
and his appearance beyond that of the sons of man
so shall he startle many nations,
because of him kings shall stand speechless;
for those who have not been told shall see,
those who have not heard shall ponder it."

"Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect,
he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."

"Pilate said to them,
'Take him yourselves and crucify him.
I find no guilt in him.'"

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

Remember that our natural psychology will rebel against suffering. We were not made to suffer; suffering entered the world through original sin. We need the light of faith to illuminate the natural.

Secular psychology doesn't help as much in a situation like COVID-19 because you don't have the theological virtue of hope; you only have optimism. That's not enough; you can't reason your way out of the suffering that's happening now.

Christ illustrates the paradox during His passion. He is the King of Kings and the suffering servant at the same time. We are made in His image and likeness, yet suffering without our sacraments, Mass and easy access to our priests this Holy Week.

Everything from a worldly standpoint failed around Jesus. The trial was a farce. His friends disappeared. The civil and religious systems collapsed for Him. COVID-19 is doing the same for us in 2020. It's stripping away everything from many, including jobs, security, health, and control. We have a unique opportunity to experience Good Friday in our bare humanity this year.

Action Plan for the Week

Remember that Christ first experienced the paradox of being God and the suffering, disfigured servant at the same time. It's our turn now to embrace the current opportunity, in union with the Body of Christ, the Church, on a global scale.