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April 10, 2020
Abu Dhabi.
Below is the full text of the homily delivered by Bishop Paul Hinder on Good Friday.
We just heard the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John, where it was said “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.” Many other people were staying near the cross: the soldiers and executioners, some religious leaders and passer-by, for Golgotha was close to the city. Most of them made contemptuous comments. The friends of Jesus had taken flight, except the women and a few other sympathizers.On this Good Friday, we are here, staying near the cross because we believe that he is our Lord and God, and that his death is the reason of our redemption. In the spirit we followed the Stations of the Cross. We then listened to the Word of God and let it enter our hearts. In a few moments we present trustfully the solemn intercessions to the Lord. We shall uncover the veiled Cross and adore Christ crucified.
The friends of Jesus who were staying near the cross took over a commitment: John, his disciple, was getting the Mother of Jesus into his care. Joseph of Arimathea was engaged with a worthy burial of Jesus. The women were watching carefully, where the body of the Master was buried. For this reason, they knew where to go after the Sabbath early in the morning and to give the last honour to the one they loved so much. They were graced to know first about Jesus’s resurrection and to become his witnesses.
Staying near the cross implies a commitment also for us. First of all, we need the courage to endure the situation on Calvary and not to flee or to look the other way. Jesus wants us to address the reality of the cross in this world where so many people are tortured, abused, killed and finally simply disposed like trash. We are challenged like Josef of Arimathea and Nicodemus to do what is in our possibilities to give honour to every human being even in his last moment, even if he is considered as a criminal.
Staying near the cross obliges us to take care of the surviving dependant who like Mary, the Mother of Jesus, are mourning. It does not need a lot of words, only compassion and the readiness to offer hospitality and communion to people who are suddenly deprived of their beloved ones. We have to keep this in mind especially now during the pandemic and probably even more when the plague will be over. We may not be able to resolve all the problems. However, we can at least stay at the foot of the cross of so many suffering people and give them a glimpse of hope.
Dear friends in Christ, staying near the cross means keeping alive the spark of hope with the women, who sensed that Calvary was not simply the end. They must have heard the word of Jesus “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” Only the redeemer of the world can pray like that. Hence, we profess with the pagan centurion: “Truly this man was God’s Son!” “Truly, this man is God’s Son!”