April 18, 2025 // Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
Reflect on the Word //
I notice Jesus’ silent loving gaze as it penetrates the hearts of his persecutors. He looks with compassion at each person. I’m awed by His quiet strength and calm composure as blood oozes from open wounds. Then His gaze meets mine. Turning, I resist, not wanting to meet His eyes, lest He see only horror and pity in mine. I somehow detect an inaudible whisper: It’s okay, I know. Facing His burning gaze once more, it incinerates my carefully constructed walls, igniting my heart with His love until I desire only Him.
“Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter . . .” (Isaiah 53:7). It’s clear that Jesus chose silence. For surely none can silence God.
Then a childhood incident emerges, a painful memory in which I was shamed and silenced.
Now I understand. Jesus’ suffering is intimately connected to my own. Beneath His Cross, I know what to do. I renounce lies I’ve repeated inwardly ad nauseam—lies with which I built walls of isolation and victimhood. I banish them now with the truth. Jesus delights in the sound of my voice. My voice is a gift, enabling me to become a gift to others, to sing and speak of the healing power of God. I’m now confident that God, my Father, will provide the endurance, courage, and hope I need to continue to reverse unhealthy ways of thinking. Jesus, silent and suffering, consoles and strengthens me, enabling me to rest in Him and choose silence for love’s sake. The Holy Spirit fills my heart with love and gratitude. Isn’t it astonishing that the goodness of that long ago Friday has the power to meet us here today?
Whether harmed by our own sins or those of others, Jesus draws near us in a powerful way, suffering with us. Silently, He waits for us to let Him into the most tender places. He desires to heal every wound.
Relate to the Lord // Meditate on one of Jesus’ five holy wounds today. As you do, allow Him to look at one of your wounds.
Lani Bogart was born in Hawaii and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. She was a small child when she began to love Jesus. She’s at home in Texas with her woodworker Deacon husband near their children and grandchildren, Lani is also an active spiritual director and trauma healing volunteer. You can read more at Lanibogart.blog
Lani Bogart nació en Hawaii y creció en Ohio y Michigan. Era una niña pequeña cuando empezó a amar a Jesús. Está en su casa en Texas con su esposo, un carpintero diácono, cerca de sus hijos y nietos. Lani también es una directora espiritual activa y voluntaria de curación de traumas. Puedes leer más en Lanibogart.blog
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