On Good Friday, we often focus on what Jesus did for us on the cross. But today, I want to shift that just a little. What if the cross is not only something Jesus did…
But also, something Jesus asks?
Because in Passion, there is a moment we can easily overlook. Pilate stands before the crowd and asks, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Jesus Christ…or Barabbas?” And the crowd chooses Barabbas.
That moment is not just history. It is a mirror. Because that same choice lives in us. Jesus represents love, mercy, forgiveness, self-gift. Barabbas represents anger, self-protection, violence, getting even and if we are honest, we carry both.
There are moments we choose Jesus – when we forgive instead of holding a grudge, when we listen instead of lash out, when we serve instead of demand.
But there are other moments…when we choose Barabbas – when we want to win at all costs, when we justify harsh words, when we quietly decide someone is not worth our compassion.
Good Friday does not just tell us that Jesus died. It asks us: Which way will you choose? Because the cross does not magically remove cruelty from the world. We still see it – in our homes, in our communities, in our world and in our hearts.
But the cross reveals another way. A way where love does not retaliate. Where mercy is stronger than revenge. Where forgiveness breaks cycles of hurt. And here is the hard truth: The world changes only when we start choosing Jesus more often than Barabbas. Not once. Not just today. But in the small, daily decisions.
So today, as we venerate the cross, do not just look at what Jesus endured. Listen to what he is asking.
In that relationship that is strained…
In that resentment you are holding…
In that situation where you want to be right more than loving…
What is the Jesus choice? Because Good Friday is not the end of the story – it is the beginning of a decision…and that decision is ours.