Reflections on Faith and Sacrifice (Part 1 of 2)

(This speech was delivered by retired Judge Jesus Quitain during the recent 7 Last Words at San Pedro Cathedral Parish on Good Friday 2024.)

San Pablo Kura Paroko, Allan Rodriguez and DXGN/Davao Catholic Herald Director Padre Ritsche Gamaya, thank you for helping me prepare this sharing. Christ’s frustration, pain, and fear are clear. Let us examine this from three perspectives: 1. The point of view of Jesus, 2. The story of Job, and 3. The agony of Sta. Maria.

Jesus showed His human nature when He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus is telling us, “I know, I feel your joy, sorrow, anger, and pain.” The seventh sentence, “Father, into your hands, I commend your spirit,” showcases Jesus’ divine nature as God the Son. He follows the plans of God the Father unconditionally. A legal maxim states, “Nolo Contendere,” meaning, “Do with me what you will; I will not resist.” This means we submit to God’s kindness and let Him guide and run our lives, for without God, we can do nothing.

The “siete palabras” show the need for faith, which we receive through our baptism. Everyone here and those listening at home have faith. St. Thomas said, “I will only believe the Lord is alive if I see him and touch his wounds.” When Christ appeared to the apostles after the resurrection, St. Thomas said, “My Lord and My God.” Jesus replied, “Thomas, you believe because you have seen me and touched my wounds. Blessed are those who believe though they have not seen me nor touched my wounds.” This is faith. This is the only passage in the New Testament where Jesus is called God. This chapter is also the source of the phrase “doubting Thomas” or “to see is to believe.”

We have faith when we hold the hand of Jesus. He will never release his hold on our hand. “Ayaw buhii ang imong paggunit sa kamot sa Ginoo, dili giyud buhian sa Ginoo ang imong kamot.” We are the ones pushing away God’s hand when we sin. Job was Israel’s richest man and God’s faithful steward. God told Satan how good Job was. Satan said he is good because you protect him. “Take all from him and Job will curse you.” Trusting Job, God told Satan, “He is in your power but do not harm him.” Satan had all Job’s children killed and destroyed all his property. Job did not curse God. Satan gave Job leprosy. Though very ugly with sores and wounds, Job did not curse God. Job’s wife asked, “Why are you still faithful? Curse God for all our trouble.” After suffering for a long time, Job gets angry and curses the day he was born but did not curse God. The Lord explains to Job His divine power and wisdom. Job humbly said, “God is great and wise,” and repented for cursing and using bad words.

Finally, God rewarded him. Job became rich again, had 10 children, and died at 140 years old. Though he thought God had left him, he kept his faith and trust. Job said, “I was born with nothing; I will die with nothing. May God’s name be praised.” Job, like Jesus, kept their faith and trust in God, especially in their moments of pain and agony.