Whenever we pray for the Novena for the deceased, there is a line that says, “Lord, help us to see death for what it really is.” This is an invitation that amidst our pain, sorrow, grief, and fears may we see the reason and beauty with death.

Today we celebrate Good Friday. But again, how can it be good when the savior of the world who did the Will of the Father suffered, was betrayed, denied, abandoned and then eventually nailed on the cross. “Lord, help us to see death for what it really is.” Lord, let me see the “Good” today.

Three reasons for this day being Good.

• First, God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” This son had to suffer and die on the cross. While we ask God for so many things, some he gives, some he doesn’t. Let us remember that He has already given us the most important thing- His Son. Good Friday is about the Love of God. 
• Second, Self Sacrifice. How many people in our lives would actually give his or her life for us? Certainly, our parents would and maybe our loved ones. But remember, God would lay down His life for us to save us from sin and death. Good Friday is about God who will die for us on the Cross.
• Third, Forgiveness. While Jesus helped so many people, in his last days, so many people pained Him:
  • Juday betrayed him
  • Peter denied Him three times
  • the Apostles, except for John, were nowhere to be found when He was on the cross.

Yet, He forgave. He was not defeated by anger, a lack of forgiveness and revenge. Good Friday is about Love and Forgiveness.

In this Mass, as we celebrate Good Friday, let us always reflect of the Love of God, the Generosity of God and the Love of God which conquers sin and death by Forgiveness. That is how much God values eternal life. 

In talking about death, one of these days, ready or not, we will say goodbye. If God did everything for eternal life, what is our response? Once Jesus was asked, “Will only a few be saved?” He did not say yes, he did not say no. He said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” This means that as Christ did everything for our salvation, we should also do everything for our salvation. Let us thank God because we have the Church to guide us in our journey to eternal life.