He Handed Over the Spirit

April 6, 2012

Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord

By Melanie Rigney

If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him. (Isaiah 53:10)

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)

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. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. (John 19:30)

PIETY
Jesus, you showed an almost incomprehensible trust in the Father. You inspire and humble me.

STUDY
And so, he handed over the spirit. He left some of his followers bewildered and confused. He left some of the authorities feeling smug; others, feeling a bit uneasy about the whole thing.

And so, he handed over the spirit. He died, just as the prophets had said the Messiah would do.

And so, he handed over the spirit. It would take a while for them to understand. For some, it would take seeing him again on the road to Emmaus. For others, it would take idle talk of the need to place their hands in his wounds. For one, it would take an encounter on the road to Damascus.

And so, he handed over the spirit. He died so that we might live.

And so, he handed over the spirit—to us, whether we are prepared to take it or not, whether we had learned all we could from him or not.

And so, he handed over the spirit.

What will you do with it?

ACTION
At services today or at Mass during the weekend, contemplate anew what you will do with the ultimate gift you’ve been given.