Today, the Church celebrates Good Friday. We say “Good” because God the Son (Jesus) redeemed us sinners by shedding His Blood for us. Adam’s disobedience (ushering original sin into the world) closed Heaven from all future generations until Christ’s obedience to death on the Cross re-opened up Heaven to those who are ready to enter. That is, those who are full of Grace upon death or after having been 100% purified in Purgatory. Our Blessed Lord loves us madly and that is why He couldn’t wait to redeem us. Our response to this Love of His should also be one of genuine love in the way we live our lives: fully in love with Him and everyone we interact with on a daily basis. Anytime we suffer, let us learn from our Lord and ask for His strength to get back up again as He did (3 times!). If we are faithful to the end of our lives (as He did), we can tell our Lord as He told His Father: Into your hands I commend my spirit!