KUCHING: Good Friday is not only a commemoration of suffering and sacrifice, but a profound call for forgiveness, reconciliation and peace in today’s increasingly fractured world.
In his Good Friday and Easter message, Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Dr Simon Poh, who is also President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, said the solemn day invites Christians and people of goodwill alike to reflect deeply on the meaning of life, love and sacrifice.
“Good Friday is about forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption. It is a time of grace and mercy, reconciliation with God, with one another, and with the whole of creation,” he said.
Observed by Christians worldwide, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago, an event regarded as the ultimate act of love, where Christ gave His life for humanity.
The day is preceded by Holy Thursday, which marks the Last Supper, and followed by Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, signifying hope, renewal and victory over sin and death.
Poh noted that while death is an inevitable part of human life, the greater question lies in how one chooses to live.
“Is it with love, care and kindness for others? Would we be willing to make sacrifices for the good of others?” he posed.
Poh pointed to Christ’s final words on the Cross – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” – as a powerful reminder of unconditional love and forgiveness, even in the face of suffering and injustice.
“This is proof of God’s love for humanity, that Christ died for us even while we were still sinners,” he said.
Amid ongoing wars and humanitarian crises, Poh echoed the call for peace by Pope Leo XVI, who is leading Good Friday observances in Rome.
Poh said Catholics around the world unite in prayer for a world “wounded by conflict, violence and war”, noting that the suffering of innocent people today mirrors the suffering of Christ.
Quoting the Pope’s appeal, he urged “all people of goodwill” to walk together in faith, compassion and unity, and to become active bearers of peace.
During Good Friday services, Catholics participate in solemn intercessions, praying for world peace, church leaders including the Pope, unity among Christians, those in public office, as well as individuals facing hardship, suffering and death.
“These prayers reflect not only faith, but a shared responsibility to care for humanity,” he said.
Poh also reminded Catholics of their obligation to observe fasting and abstinence on Good Friday, including refraining from meat as a sign of respect for Christ’s sacrifice.
He explained that such practices are not merely ritualistic, but serve as spiritual disciplines aimed at fostering repentance, humility and self-control.
“Penance expresses sorrow and contrition, our intention to turn away from sin and return to God, and to make reparation for our wrongdoing.
“Fasting also cultivates solidarity with those who suffer, particularly the poor and the hungry, while helping believers detach from worldly comforts and refocus on prayer and faith,” he said.
Poh added that Catholics are also encouraged to perform acts of love, kindness and mercy, especially on Fridays, as part of their ongoing spiritual journey.
Highlighting the significance of the crucifix, Poh said it serves as a powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and the redemption of humanity.
“A crucifix is not an ornament. It is a reminder for us to live our lives by loving, forgiving and making sacrifices as Jesus did,” he said.
Poh said the act of making the Sign of the Cross during prayer is a reflection of one’s baptism and a reminder of Christ’s crucifixion and blessings.
Poh also expressed gratitude that Good Friday is observed as a public holiday in Sarawak and Sabah, enabling Christians to fully participate in church services and prayers.
He welcomed messages of goodwill shared by state leaders, including Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who highlighted the importance of family, unity and shared humanity.
Such sentiments, he said, reflect Sarawak’s long-standing tradition of harmony and mutual respect among its diverse communities.
As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday, Poh said the resurrection of Christ represents hope, renewal and the triumph of love over evil.
On behalf of the Catholic community, he extended Good Friday prayers and Easter blessings to all Malaysians, calling for continued unity, understanding and goodwill.
“Let us join hands to build our land and Malaysia in mutual respect and acceptance, harmony and goodwill for the common good of all – especially for peace and reconciliation in the world today.
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with each one of us,” he added.
