Head of the Catholic Community in Antigua and Barbuda Bishop Robert Llanos urged worshippers to move beyond ritual and enter into a deeply personal encounter with Jesus Christ as he reflected on the meaning of Good Friday during solemn observances at the Holy Family Cathedral.
Addressing the faithful following the reading of the Passion, the bishop made clear that the significance of the day lies not in additional explanation, but in reflection on what has already been revealed.
“What did you come to hear today?” he asked. “Whatever you came to hear, you have heard it already… You have walked with the Church, with Jesus, through His crucifixion and death. We have heard all that we need to hear this evening.”
He then invited the congregation into a moment of silence and personal reflection, encouraging each person to place themselves spiritually at the tomb of Christ.
“So what I ask you to do now is to close your eyes and imagine that you are there in the tomb with Jesus,” he said. “Make this moment in your spiritual life… an intimate moment between you and Jesus.”
The bishop urged worshippers to consider their own relationship with Christ in light of His suffering.
“I want you to imagine what you would say to Jesus as you sit there with Him… knowing all that He had just been through… What would you personally want to say to Jesus? What would you ask Him?”
A period of silence followed, allowing the congregation to engage in what he described as a “personal conversation” with Christ.
The wider liturgy underscored the central themes of sacrifice, redemption and humility, with readings describing Jesus as one who “was pierced through for our faults” and who bore suffering to bring healing to humanity.
Additional scripture reminded the faithful that Christ understands human weakness, having been “tempted in every way… though He is without sin,” and called on believers to approach God confidently in search of mercy and grace.
The service also included a series of intercessory prayers for the Church, the Pope, clergy, public officials, and those facing hardship, reflecting a broader call for unity, compassion and faith across society.
During the veneration of the cross, worshippers were invited to reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice as the “wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world,” reinforcing the solemnity of the observance.
At the conclusion of the service, the faithful were reminded of the continuing Easter observances, including the start of the Novena of Divine Mercy and the upcoming Easter Vigil, with instructions to return with candles as part of the celebration.
The Good Friday message framed the day not simply as a commemoration of Christ’s death, but as a call to deeper faith, personal reflection and spiritual renewal ahead of Easter Sunday.
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