Throughout the centuries, saints and spiritual leaders have reflected on the significance of Good Friday, offering wisdom and insight that continue to inspire believers today.
Here are 10 quotes from saints about Good Friday, illuminating the profound mystery of Christ's sacrifice and the hope it brings to the world.
St. John Chrysostom:
"The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom."
St. Augustine:
"The cross was the devil's mousetrap; the bait by which he was caught was the Lord's death."
St. Teresa of Calcutta:
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime."
St. Francis of Assisi:
"We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world."
St. Padre Pio:
"In order to be like Jesus, it is necessary to imitate him in his virtues, and above all in his love of suffering."
St. Thomas Aquinas:
"The cross exemplifies every virtue. If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth."
St. Therese of Lisieux:
"I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God."
St. Ignatius of Loyola:
"If God gives you an abundant harvest of trials, it is a sign of great holiness which He desires you to attain. Do you want to become a great saint? Ask God to send you many sufferings. The flame of Divine Love never rises higher than when fed with the wood of the Cross, which the infinite charity of the Savior used to finish His sacrifice."
St. Catherine of Siena:
"Every virtue is tested by temptation, and the soul is purified by trial."
St. Pope John Paul II:
"We are the Easter people and 'Alleluia' is our song."
These quotes from saints about Good Friday encapsulate the essence of this sacred day – a day of profound sacrifice, redemption, and hope.
As we reflect on the passion and death of Christ, let us draw inspiration from their words and strive to embrace the cross in our own lives.
May Good Friday serve as a reminder of the immeasurable love of God and the promise of salvation that shines brightly through the darkness.
Amen.