Is 52:13-53:12; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1-19:42
In 2003, a 17-year-old Mexican girl named Jesica Santillan captured the attention and the prayers of many people around the world. Jesica had traveled with her family to the United States in search of treatment for a life-threatening heart and lung condition.
In a rare move, and amidst an outpouring of support and prayer, a donor was found—someone whose family, amidst their own grief, agreed to donate their loved one’s organs to try to save Jesica’s life. That anonymous donor’s gift was a pure act of selfless love—a heart and lungs offered to a stranger. Jesica underwent transplant, but sadly, it was too late. She died a few days later.
Although Jesica’s story ended in tragedy, the story of the donor family remains a striking example of a selfless decision to give life, even when they had just experienced death. That anonymous gift reminds us of something deep and powerful: the giving of oneself, even in suffering and sorrow,
can be the most Christ-like act a human being can do.Good Friday stands as the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. On this day, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave His life—not just for one person, but for the entire world. And not just for the people of His time, but for all generations past, present, and future.
His sacrifice wasn't forced. It wasn’t accidental. It was chosen. Jesus, knowing what lay ahead, walked toward the Cross with humility, purpose, and love. In John 10:18, Jesus says:
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”
St. Paul tells in Colossians 1:20, “Through Him God was pleased to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.”
The Cross, then, is not a sign of failure. It is the throne of Christ. It is not a moment of defeat but the supreme revelation of God’s love for all creation—the sinner, the broken, the outcast, the animal, the planet, the whole universe.
Jesus' death on the Cross was not just a moment; it was the culmination of a life lived entirely for others: He touched the lepers, when others turned away. He dined with sinners, when others shunned them. He washed His disciples' feet, including Judas, showing that even the betrayer is not beyond love. He forgave His executioners, saying, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
His way of suffering was not just about enduring pain—it was about entering into the brokenness of the world. He became the lowest of the low so that no one would ever be outside the reach of God’s love.
In ancient Christian tradition, the Cross is sometimes called the Tree of Life. In Genesis, the first tree brought death when Adam and Eve sinned. But on Good Friday, a new tree is planted—a wooden cross—that becomes the source of life for the whole world.
Jesus' words in John 15:13 ring clear: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” But Jesus did even more—He laid it down for His enemies, for the unworthy, for creation itself.
Just like the anonymous organ donor who gave life to a dying girl, we are all called to give, to serve, so that others may live.
Satish