Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 18 April ’25. We Preach Christ Crucified

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 18 April ‘25

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9. John 18:1-19:42

We Preach Christ Crucified

There once stood a grand old church, majestic in architecture, with an arched entrance that bore a powerful inscription carved in stone:

“We Preach Christ Crucified.”

It was the mission and motto of the church, boldly proclaiming the heart of the Gospel to all who entered.

In time, however, some creepers began to grow across the stone. Gradually, they covered the last word.

Now the arch simply read: “We Preach Christ.”

Still a noble message—but subtly, a shift had begun. The church continued its sermons, but the Cross faded from focus. Christ was now preached as a moral teacher, a wise philosopher, a compassionate healer—yet the scandal and power of the Crucified Christ began to disappear.

The creepers continued to grow. Soon, only this remained: “We Preach.”

Now, preaching continued—but the message grew diluted. Talks became intellectual, inspiring, even entertaining. But the Christ-centred proclamation—the call to repentance, salvation, and sacrificial love—was missing.

Years passed. The creepers covered further still, until just one word remained: “We.”

The church became self-focused. Identity replaced mission. Activity replaced worship. Community became a goal, not a fruit of the Gospel. The church no longer reached outward with Christ—it simply preserved itself.

Good Friday reminds us to clear the vines, to return to the Cross, and to let the full message shine again: “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Not a sanitized Christ, not a comfortable faith. But the Crucified One—whose wounds heal, whose death saves, and whose Cross defines our mission.

On this most solemn day, we behold the Crucified One. We are not merely spectators—we are called to see, to receive, and to proclaim the mystery of love that passes through suffering and death.

1. Behold the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12)

“He had no form or majesty… he was despised and rejected… pierced for our transgressions.”

The prophet Isaiah leads us to the heart of redemptive suffering. Jesus, the innocent Lamb, bears our sins not with vengeance but with silence, surrender, and mercy.

Do I truly see Christ in His suffering—not only on the Cross, but also in the wounded and the forsaken of today?

2. Behold the Compassionate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9)

“He learned obedience through what he suffered.”

Jesus is not distant from our pain. He has passed through agony, abandonment, and death. Because He suffered, He understands. Because He obeyed, He became the source of our salvation.

Do I approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that the Crucified One knows my weakness?

3. Behold the Man – Christ Crucified (John 18:1–19:42)

“Behold the man!” said Pilate. The world sees humiliation, but faith sees glory. At the Cross, Jesus is enthroned—not with gold, but with thorns. His wounds speak louder than words. From His pierced side flow water and blood—the birth of the Church, the streams of mercy.

Do I believe that love is stronger than death? Am I willing to carry my cross and proclaim Christ crucified in my life?

A Final Word

To behold Christ on Good Friday is to recognize the truth of divine love:

He bore our sins. He understands our pain. He reigns from the Cross. Let us fall in adoration, and rise with courage.

“We preach Christ crucified – the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1:23–24)

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy