A Lamb Led to the Slaughter

     From Isaiah the Prophet we read:

"Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.  Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny?  When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, a grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.  But the Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity."

     The suffering servant of Isaiah is Jesus, the Christ.  The Father allowed him to be crushed for our offenses, for our sins, so that forgiveness, restoration and re-creation might enter our lives.

     The events of that Good Friday transformed humanity and initiated a new era, a time of peace and reconciliation, a new birth to freedom and life.  The empty grave of Sunday morning is proof that the sacrifice was not in vain. 

     A blessed Good Friday to all as we await the Vigil.