"It is finished!"

Meditations and prayers on the last words of Christ
This is Good Friday – Our sixth step into Holy Week

You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.

"IT IS FINISHED!”

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

From the cross, words of forgiveness, hope and love had been softly and painfully spoken. From the cross, came a cry of anguish as the Sinless One had taken on the sins of all mankind and as he had felt an alienation that he had never once experienced from his Father. The journey to the cross began with an angelic birth announcement illuminated by the glory of the Lord. “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord,” the angels shouted from the heavens. The journey seemed to have ended in the darkness of this very moment with the words “It is finished.” All stood in the darkness of their questionings and doubts. “It is finished” sounded much more like resignation than it did a victory cry from the one the disciples had called Lord. We need to experience this darkness of Good Friday, to reflect on the One whom we too have followed and to wonder about the words “It is finished” before we can translate these words to “Paid in Full.” IT IS FINISHED. Satan knows full well the meaning and impact of the words, for he no longer has a stronghold on mankind. The eternal destiny of humankind hangs on the cross. IT IS FINISHED. The sacrifice has been made on our behalf. The gap between sinful man and holy God has been bridged. Sins have been forgiven. We have been reconciled to God. Our debt has been paid in full. IT IS FINISHED. In just a few days, we will understand. “It is finished” is a victory cry! The tomb will be empty!

Reflection: Jesus gave his life, his love, his all for me. How completely have I given my life, my love, my all to him?

Prayer: Holy Finisher of our faith …Your work is done. You have painfully and lovingly brought me into a “forever” relationship with God. I have stood at the foot of your cross and cried tears of sorrow, wanting to bring you down and yet at the same time I have whispered, “But I need you to do this for me.” Your grace and mercy and love fills my heart with gratitude and love. Place in me a desire to be your hands and feet and heart in this world so that others might feel your undying love for them. Amen.

anna