Social Justice Way of the Cross: Good Friday

Jesus Dies and Is Risen

Jesus shows us that even in death, sorrow, and struggle, we can know life, mercy, and hope.

The reality of poverty beats down the spirit and isolates people from each other. We know this pain is a daily reality in Canada for so many – the child who goes to school hungry; the senior on a fixed income who can barely pay his bills; the Indigenous youth whose voice cries out for a share of what others easily access, like clean water and education; the refugee woman who has lost her home and identity and is unable to find adequate housing and employment.

We must recognize the depths of this pain and hear the voices of those impacted.

But we also must celebrate, knowing that the spirit continues to rise, even when beaten down. 

Rising, we see generations coming together to call for justice and healing for Indigenous peoples, through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Idle No More.

Rising, we see people with lived experience of poverty from all backgrounds and abilities fight for their voices to be heard, through anti-poverty networks in communities across the country.

Rising, we see communities of faith and public policy advocates push for political representatives to develop policy that will end poverty in Canada, through campaigns like Dignity for All.

Through Jesus we see that mercy is not pity. It is understanding life’s anguish and joy, beauty and harshness and seeing that in each person. It is extending compassion and kindness to ourselves and each other, leading us to join in solidarity with those whom Jesus privileged – those marginalized – to act for a more just, compassionate, and merciful world.

Prayer:
God, open our hearts so that we recognize that all pain and suffering are met with your grace and mercy.  We pray for your love to ignite the fire for justice and compassion in our hearts, as we rise together to end poverty and exclusion in Canada and the world. Amen.