Archbishop John Highlights the Cross as a Beacon of Hope and Sacrifice on Good Friday

At the solemn Good Friday service held on the grounds of Saint Pius Church and School Mulund, Archbishop John Rodrigues offered a moving reflection on the transformative power of the cross—once a symbol of Roman execution, now the heart of Christian faith and salvation.

In his homily, Archbishop John emphasized that the true power of the cross lies in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest who offered Himself for the redemption of humanity. Citing Christ’s final words from the cross, “It is finished,” he highlighted the moment as a declaration of victory—of love conquering sin, suffering, and death through obedience to the Father’s will.

To illustrate Christ’s unwavering love, the Archbishop shared a parable of a holy man who, despite being repeatedly stung, continued to rescue a scorpion from drowning. When questioned, the man responded, “It is the scorpion’s nature to sting, but it is my nature to love—why should I let its nature change mine?” Archbishop John explained that this mirrors Jesus’ enduring compassion in the face of humanity’s brokenness.

Calling the faithful to reflect deeply, he urged all present to embrace the cross not only as a symbol of suffering but also as a sign of hope, resilience, and the promise of resurrection. He reminded the congregation that through the cross, believers are invited into a deeper understanding of God’s mercy and a call to live with compassion.

The liturgy featured the public veneration of the cross, a powerful moment that connected the faithful with Christians around the world in remembering Christ’s supreme act of love. The service concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion, bringing to a close a day of solemn prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

As the Church journeys toward Easter, Archbishop John invited all to carry the light of the cross in their hearts, trusting in God’s purpose and preparing to celebrate the joy of the resurrection.