<p>Good Friday invites us to reflect on the belief that the death of Jesus Christ was good, as his followers explained later, “Unlike other priests, Jesus does not need to offer oblations day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed his sinless life for their sins once for all”, Hebrews 7:27. </p>.<p>If a specific mantra with no slip-ups in memorisation, modulation or movements can serve its purpose, how much more when a sacrifice is infinitely perfect, its benefits may know no limits.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“He sacrificed for their sins” – can one man’s death, penance or <span class="italic">prayaschita</span> guarantee the complete forgiveness of billions of other people’s sins? Yes, if that Man, Jesus, is the infinitely Good, the Divine. Towards the end of their observance of <span class="italic">paryushana</span>, when our Jain friends ask us, <span class="italic">micchami dukkadam</span> (wipe away the consequences of my sins), do they wait to receive an assurance of cleansing? No. Most people, of all religious traditions, can only try to fulfil their duties as best as they know, and then hope for the best. St Paul writes, in Romans 2:15, about how all human beings have a sense of right and wrong written in their hearts, and yet grope around for an assurance that they are on the right path, hoping for the best.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This seeking for security, or for objects of sacrifice that are as innocent as possible, can take extreme forms. The Bible talks about Jews who sacrificed their children, although God had forbidden such practices, which are reminiscent to us of some tantric claims. Into this confused maelstrom came Jesus, the one who could calm a stormy sea with a simple command, “Peace, be still”. </p>.<p class="bodytext">St Paul says that even before people sought forgiveness, while they were still impure, Christ died for them, Romans 5:6-8. From age to age, people have experienced Jesus Christ as a living presence who gives an inner certainty about this forgiveness.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To believe that forgiveness of sin can be both free and guaranteed on the basis of a claim of a perfect sacrifice on one’s behalf may feel like a gamble. Yet, those who take the step find great relief from the lifelong spiritual treadmill of hoping for the best through uncertain attainments.</p>
<p>Good Friday invites us to reflect on the belief that the death of Jesus Christ was good, as his followers explained later, “Unlike other priests, Jesus does not need to offer oblations day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed his sinless life for their sins once for all”, Hebrews 7:27. </p>.<p>If a specific mantra with no slip-ups in memorisation, modulation or movements can serve its purpose, how much more when a sacrifice is infinitely perfect, its benefits may know no limits.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“He sacrificed for their sins” – can one man’s death, penance or <span class="italic">prayaschita</span> guarantee the complete forgiveness of billions of other people’s sins? Yes, if that Man, Jesus, is the infinitely Good, the Divine. Towards the end of their observance of <span class="italic">paryushana</span>, when our Jain friends ask us, <span class="italic">micchami dukkadam</span> (wipe away the consequences of my sins), do they wait to receive an assurance of cleansing? No. Most people, of all religious traditions, can only try to fulfil their duties as best as they know, and then hope for the best. St Paul writes, in Romans 2:15, about how all human beings have a sense of right and wrong written in their hearts, and yet grope around for an assurance that they are on the right path, hoping for the best.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This seeking for security, or for objects of sacrifice that are as innocent as possible, can take extreme forms. The Bible talks about Jews who sacrificed their children, although God had forbidden such practices, which are reminiscent to us of some tantric claims. Into this confused maelstrom came Jesus, the one who could calm a stormy sea with a simple command, “Peace, be still”. </p>.<p class="bodytext">St Paul says that even before people sought forgiveness, while they were still impure, Christ died for them, Romans 5:6-8. From age to age, people have experienced Jesus Christ as a living presence who gives an inner certainty about this forgiveness.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To believe that forgiveness of sin can be both free and guaranteed on the basis of a claim of a perfect sacrifice on one’s behalf may feel like a gamble. Yet, those who take the step find great relief from the lifelong spiritual treadmill of hoping for the best through uncertain attainments.</p>
