By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, April 4, GNA – Very Reverend Father Samuel Ayinbora Atinga, the Cathedral Administrator of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga, has called on Christians to reflect deeply on the Passion of Jesus Christ, describing it as a powerful revelation of how envy and fear continue to shape human behaviour.
Delivering his Good Friday homily at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, he said the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ were not only historical events but also a mirror of the destructive tendencies within humanity.
He explained that envy often drives people to malign and destroy others without justification, noting that many lives and relationships had been damaged by careless words and unfounded accusations.
“How often do we lose people by what we say about them, even when we are not sure of the truth?” he asked, stressing that hatred and dislike often push individuals to label and judge others unfairly.
Very Rev. Fr. Atinga further highlighted fear as another key factor that led to the unjust condemnation of Jesus Christ, citing the actions of Pontius Pilate, who, despite finding no fault in Christ, authorised his crucifixion out of fear of public pressure and political consequences.
“Pilate knew the truth but lacked the courage to stand by it. Out of fear, he chose what he considered the lesser evil,” he said.
The Priest noted that such actions were still prevalent today, where individuals fail to defend truth and justice due to fear of authority, public opinion, or personal loss.
He emphasised that the Passion of Christ demonstrated ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment to truth, urging Christians to emulate those virtues in their daily lives.
According to him, Jesus Christ endured suffering and injustice out of love for humanity, and through that sacrifice, salvation was made possible.
He, therefore, encouraged the faithful not to “crucify” one another through harmful words, false accusations, and actions driven by envy, but rather to support, correct, and uplift each other in love.
“Out of love for one another, we must not destroy each other but stand for the truth and be willing to sacrifice for each other,” he said.
Very Rev. Fr. Atinga called on Christians to use the Good Friday observance as a moment of reflection on God’s love and to renew their commitment to living truthfully, courageously, and compassionately.
According to Catholic doctrine, Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year, commemorating the passion, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
It is a day of fasting, abstinence, and deep reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, which opened the gates of heaven.
It is part of the Paschal Triduum and the only day of the year the Mass is not celebrated.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade