Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Good Friday, April 18, 2025

Delivered by Andrew Jost and Shendy Jost from the Parish of Saint Albert the Great in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Isaiah 52: 13 - 53: 12; Rs psalm 31: 2.6.12-13.15-16.17.25; Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; John 18: 1 - 19: 42BECOMING A HELPER TO THOSE WHO SUFFER Our meditation on this Good Friday is entitled:Becoming a Helper to Those Who Suffer. According to the Gospel of John, OurLady stood near the Cross of Jesus (Jn 19:25-27). But in fact she was in thecompany that followed Jesus on His way to Calvary. The Mother had once met her Sonalong the Via Dolorosa (Journey of Sorrow). The Mother looked at her Son silently, sadly, but with a heart full ofgrace.  A man on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Simon of Cyrene,was forced to help carry Jesus' cross. He just obeyed even though it was notJesus' request. Of course, Jesus was very grateful to him. Simon representedmany who wanted to provide the help that Jesus so desperately needed, but theywere afraid of the ferocity of Jesus' enemies. Some of us are directly helpfullike Simon, and there are those who intend to help him on behalf of others, orsome are just passive watchers. Veronica was a woman who helped Jesus even though she isnot mentioned in any of the Gospels.  Thestory of her is in the apocryphal writings, which are not included in the canonicalscriptures of the Church. For example, the story of Pilate from the 2ndcentury tells that a woman named Veronica (Bernice, in Greek) was the samewoman who had an issue of blood for twelve years had been healed by Jesus (Mt9:20-22). Veronica, who defended Jesus before Pilate, said that Jesus wasinnocent. From the fourth or fifth century it is recorded that Veronica had apiece of cloth with an image of the face of Jesus.  The three figures who helped Jesus in the via dolorosaare enough to give an idea that both men and women followers of Christ can begood helpers. This help is classified into two types. The first is the help inthe form of acts of corporal love. This action is to carry a heavy crossbrought by a person who suffers from any form of harship in the world. We cando just like what Simon of Cyrene did. We can help lift all, part, or a smallportion of the burden he or she is bearing. The second is spiritual deeds in the form of a presenceto comfort, encourage, show compassion, and provide moral and spiritual supportto those who are suffering. Words of comfort, expressions of sympathy, prayers,and expression of encouragement are essential to strengthen their mental andfaith. To accompany and to defend those who are suffering certainly becomes themoral supports that can help them not to be easily get despair. Our Lady andVeronica are exemplary persons who had done this to Jesus Christ in His passion.We can do the same as what they did.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O God Almighty,forgive us for our mistakes for not helping others who are in distress andsuffering. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father...