It is painful to hear about suffering. The reading from Isaiah is disturbing. It describes God's suffering servant.

This man's suffering is not typical. He is written-off by those around him, despised and rejected. His pain is physical, emotional and social. Yet, his ordeal is not a localized event; his self-giving has effects for nations.

The servant is crushed for our faults. His death is a sacrifice that somehow atones for our sins. In the mystery of God's love, through the punishment he received, we are actually made whole.

Strangely, he does not resist such a mission. He does not demand justice. Rather, he turns to God in hope, waiting to be raised up. Today he suffers. Today he will not escape.

On Good Friday we do not need to rescue Jesus from this suffering. We are not called to replace him on the cross.

We are called to simply be with him as he suffers. We are invited to be with those people who are suffering today.

Our presence with someone who is struggling may appear worthless, however, it is profoundly meaningful. We may be helpless, but we are helpless with Christ...and this is sacred.