a good look on good friday
"They shall look on Him." —John 19:37
Pilate said to every human being: "Look at the Man" (Jn 19:5). Zechariah prophesied for all times: "They shall look on Him Whom they have thrust through" (Zec 12:10; see also Rv 1:7).
When we look at Jesus crucified, we see Someone "from Whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held Him in no esteem" (Is 53:3). "There was in Him no stately bearing to make us look at Him, nor appearance that would attract us to Him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a Man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity" (Is 53:2-3). His appearance was marred "beyond that of mortals" (Is 52:14). Jesus was "an Object of reproach, a Laughingstock," and "a Dread" (Ps 31:12).
Nonetheless, when we look into the heart of Jesus crucified, we see "the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him" (Heb 5:9). We see the "great High Priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God" (Heb 4:14). When we look on Him Whom we have pierced, we see the great I AM (see Jn 18:5, 6, 8), God Himself.
Look at Jesus, "for we shall see Him as He is" (1 Jn 3:2).
Prayer: Jesus crucified, You gave Your life for me. I give my life for You.
Promise: "In the days when He was in the flesh, He offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to God, Who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence." —Heb 5:7
Praise: (none)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998