I’ve chosen for our meditation this morning not the Gospel for Good Friday, but a reading from the New Testament of the Friday liturgy. It’s taken from Hebrews, chapter 4:14, 16th verse, and chapter 5, seventh through ninth verse. Brothers and sisters, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who was unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplication with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death.

And he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered. And when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. As we reflect on the readings that we’ve listened to over this week, we cannot not be touched by the deep human quality of Jesus life. He was not someone who claimed divinity and endured everything with the power of God taking over his human weakness. No, he experienced his human weakness.

And humbled, he begged and prayed for help, and even prayed that this whole thing, his death and resurrection, could happen in a different way. Three times he said, please remove this, but if I have to, I will. And that’s so human. And I hope and pray that you realize that’s the figure we follow. Someone just like you. Someone just like me.

And realize his story is your story. My story, Sam. Satan. Satan. Let us pray. Father, you are not only the giver of a gift that is beyond our imagining, but you are also the one who witnesses the role of suffering.

It is part of your plan. It is part of the thing that we must endure in order to become fully enlightened. Bless us with patience. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.