GOOD FRIDAY – Eli, Eli, lemá sabagtani?
Scripture reading: “At three o’clock Jesus cried out loudly: “Eli, Eli, lemá sabagtani?” It is: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46
This verse carries with it a heavy emotional charge, especially because it is Jesus himself who says it. It reminds us that even the Savior of the world experienced the feeling of abandonment and aloneness. These feelings are not foreign to us. We can all feel lonely sometimes, even when there are people around us. This verse reminds us that Jesus – from experience – understands us in our times of loneliness and fear of abandonment.
Jesus’ death on the cross has a current meaning for us, because through his suffering and death, he assured us that God will never really leave us. His sacrifice freed us from the fear that nothing can separate us from God’s love. This includes not only physical distance, but also the emotional distance we sometimes experience when we feel alone. Jesus’ sacrifice guarantees us eternal love and companionship.
On Good Friday, let us be reminded that even though we may feel alone and abandoned, we have a God who loves us unconditionally. His love is the anchor that can carry us through times of trial and loneliness. Let us encourage each other knowing that, through Jesus’ sacrifice, we always have a place in God’s heart and that we will never be alone.
Prayer: Dear God, on this Good Friday we come to You with our feelings of loneliness and abandonment. Thank You for assuring us of your eternal love through Jesus’ sacrifice. Give us the strength to understand that we are always in your presence, even in our darkest hours. May we experience your love as the source of comfort and strength in our lives. Amen.