Good Friday, the mystery of salvation

May 02, 2014

TAWAU (Herald Malaysia): The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, 18th April was conducted outdoors at 8.00 am. More than 2000 parishioners assembled at the frontage of the church, walking up solemnly to the final station in front of the Parish canteen. At each of the 14 stations, parishioners paused to reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ life on earth.

Good Friday service, the mystery of salvation was celebrated at 3.00pm by Fr David A. Garaman and concelebrated by Msgr Nicholas Ong. Close to 3,000 parishioners participated in the solemn celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The Church was packed to the brim with many sitting outside, along the corridor, the frontage and the back portion of the Church.

In his homily, Fr David said, “Christ accepted the physical and mental torture without retaliation for He knew that through His suffering, many would be saved. The cross that we honour is the symbol of God’s victory in overcoming the power of death and resurrection. We are freed from the slavery of sin.”

He continued to say, “The crucifix that we hold dearly, touch and wear faithfully is a blessing for all of us. That crucifix leads us to life and not death.”

He also urged the faithful to give thanks to God for the eternal life granted to us by the suffering of His Son as we venerated the cross.

He concluded his homily by saying, ‘We have to treasure this beautiful gift of life granted us. The suffering of the Lord should be the key of our faithfulness and firmness in our faith. We must strive not to neglect our spiritual life.’