In celebration of the Sisters of Bon Secours’ 200th anniversary, one of their ministries, the Associate Ministry, created a Lenten Devotional. It has a daily reflection and prayer for each day of Lent. The Good Friday reflection was written by Rev. Dr. Brenda Nelson. Brenda is the Program Coordinator for the Associate Office and an Associate in South Carolina.
Suffering and Triumph of the Servant of the Lord[a]
13 See, my servant shall prosper,
he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
14 Even as many were amazed at him—
so marred were his features,
beyond that of mortals
his appearance, beyond that of human beings—
15 So shall he startle many nations,
kings shall stand speechless;
For those who have not been told shall see,
those who have not heard shall ponder it.
Reflection:
As I think about that first Good Friday and read scriptural text, we know this day was one marred by unimaginable violence in the act of the crucifixion, unfathomable grief as those who loved Jesus watched and felt powerless to intercede on His behalf, hopes dashed, with major disappointments as the disciples probably experienced an array of emotions and felt directionless in the death of their leader and friend. As a result of the events on that Good Friday, I am certain that for the followers of Jesus, His mother Mary, the disciples who were AWOL, for the exception of John, the “Beloved Disciple”, and the women who followed Jesus embodied compassion and servanthood, they failed to see the “good” on this Friday.
Not unlike our response when we are met with the storms of adversities, seasons of suffering, be it physical, emotional, relational, or financial. What remains true for that first Good Friday and remains true for us when we are wronged, persecuted, experiencing seasons of grief and loss, asking those “why” questions, is that as author Amberly Neese shares in Untangling Faith: Reclaiming Hope In The Questions Jesus Asked, “God is good. Period.” Good Friday is our example, that whatever God allows in our life, it will be for our greater good and His glory. The Good Friday journey reminds us that “Suffering Is Never For Nothing.” Without Good Friday, there would not be a Resurrection Sunday morning, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the birth of the Church.
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work that you were sent to do, enable us by your Holy Spirit to be faithful to our call. Grant us strength to bear our crosses and endure our suffering, even unto death. Enable us to live and love so faithfully that we also become good news to the world, joining your witness, O Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.