Today is no ordinary Friday. It is Good Friday, the darkest and most sacred day on the Christian calendar, a time when time itself seems to stand still, and the earth trembles under the weight of sacrifice. On this day, Christians around the world reflect on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Isaiah reminds us, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).
This Good Friday, April 18, 2025, we are called to remember the Savior who chose suffering over escape, silence over defense, and ultimately death so that we might truly live. But let us pause to ask ourselves: What are we doing with this sacrifice? All too often, we rush toward the celebration of Easter without stopping to reflect on Calvary. We skip the sorrow to sing the victory, forgetting that there can be no resurrection without a crucifixion, no empty tomb without a blood-stained cross.
This year, the Lenten season, which began on March 5, has been a sacred journey of fasting, reflection, and sacrifice. A general Ash Wednesday service was held at St. Moses Orimolade Cathedral in Lagos State, where His Eminence J.A.O. Oladapo was represented by Supt. Gen. AP. Pro. (Dr) J.A. Esan (JP), the Chairman of the Central Working Committee of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Hotonu Mother Church. In his sermon, he emphasized the essence of the Lenten season, calling on all to embrace personal renewal and to “journey together in hope.”
As we reflect on the significance of Lent, it is important to remember that it was never meant to be a seasonal performance. Rather, it is a spiritual surgery that peels away distractions so we can hear God again. Standing between the shadow of the cross and the light of Easter, we are invited to ask ourselves the hardest question of all: Have I changed?
This year’s Lent coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a rare alignment that serves as a reminder that devotion, sacrifice, and compassion are not foreign to faith; they are the heartbeat of it. In a world that is groaning for meaning, we cannot afford to be lukewarm. As Revelation 3:16 warns, “Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” We were not saved to be safe; we were saved to be sent.
To the Eternal Youth Fellowship (EYF-Hotonu) of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, this is your moment. The cross is not merely a museum piece to admire; it is a weapon of love to carry. Let the spirit of this day pierce your hearts. Continue to organize prayer vigils, feed the hungry, and speak life into your peers. Don’t wait for revival; be the revival! You are the bridge between ancient fire and future glory, and it is time to burn again!
Let this Good Friday be more than an annual tradition; let it be a turning point. As Jesus was laid in the tomb, some things within us must also die: apathy, pride, bitterness, and fear. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This call is not just for a day but for every day!
As we move toward Easter Sunday, remember this: the stone was not rolled away for Jesus to get out; it was rolled away so we could see in—to believe again and to live again. The cross was bloody, the tomb was silent, but the resurrection is coming. Will you rise with it?
In another part of the world, a different kind of reflection on sacrifice and community took place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. There, a silent Stations of the Cross play was performed, bringing together a diverse group of parishioners ranging in age from a 7-year-old girl to an 80-year-old woman. The play, rehearsed every Saturday for a month, culminated in a performance on April 11, 2025.
The director and choreographer, Tony Lopresti, a professional mime, guided the performers through warm-ups and stretches, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection to the story of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. He encouraged the participants to move past their initial fears and embrace the experience. “Sometimes, after a few days, we might start to think, ‘Oh, no! Why did I ever do that!’ It’s normal to feel that way but please don’t succumb to that,” he said, reminding them of the Holy Spirit's calling to serve God’s people through this performance.
The performance aimed to create an immersive and prayerful experience for the congregation. As they moved around the church, each station presented a new tableau, with roles changing at each station, except for Mary, who was consistently played by one person. The fourth station, where Jesus meets his afflicted mother, stood out as particularly poignant, featuring a little boy carrying a cross that was nearly twice his height. His determination and sacrifice served as true Lenten inspiration.
As the performers held their poses, the audience was invited into a deeper reflection on the events of the Stations of the Cross. The experience was enriched by the diverse backgrounds of the participants, who represented a microcosm of the larger Catholic Church community. From young families to older parishioners, the shared journey of faith fostered a sense of unity and purpose.
In moments of vulnerability, participants were reminded by Tony that “for us, slow motion is a prayer.” This concept encouraged them to slow down, to reflect on their movements and their spiritual journey. In this careful examination of body and mechanics, they found God in the slow movement and inspiration to continue seeking Him in all moments ahead.
As we commemorate Good Friday and reflect on the themes of sacrifice, renewal, and community, let us carry these lessons into our lives. The call to action is clear: we are invited to embrace the spirit of love, service, and connection, not just today but every day as we move toward the joy of Easter.
