Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9; John 18:1—19:42

Good Friday always lands in a tender place within me, especially now that both my parents have passed on. I am left with cherished holy moments and their legacy etched in my heart. Isaiah’s suffering servant reminds me of the strength and resourcefulness of so many men and women, particularly that of my mother who could turn a handful of pinto beans and feed her husband and nine children a lavish meal filled with love and hope. In the eyes of a materialistic world, we did not have many riches, but we had the love and faith that carried us through many sacrifices. There is dignity in suffering when it is united to our Christ Jesus.

Hebrews tells us that Jesus learned obedience through suffering, that intimacy matters. God does not watch suffering from afar; God feels it in the body. As an immigrant, obedience has meant trusting God in uncertainty--- learning a new language, navigating systems that were not made for us, enduring moments of invisibility. Knowing that God intimately understands rejection is a healing balm for many of us.

In John’s passion, Jesus carries his own cross, no one forces him. He walks forth with love. God’s love carries me through many struggles, many that I am not even aware of. And those that I am aware of, I try to emulate the resilience and courage of the women who were present, steadfast, unafraid to love in the face of violence. Good Friday teaches me that suffering is not the end; it is the soil where hope takes root.

Ilda Jimenez

Women’s Cornerstone

How can I unite my current sufferings to Christ Jesus? How might I experience God near in my sufferings? How can I find courage and resilience, especially as I recall the passion and death of our Lord?

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REFLECTION BOOK!