"A Latin government was anxious about its position and security. It placed many restrictions on the population. One of the activities forbidden was the public Stations of the Cross that are so much a part of the religious life of the country. This public devotion was perceived by the government to be a threat to its stability. Why? The reason is not so much that the government officials were anti-religious. Rather, they understood that the story of the cross gave hope to all people. Hope is very dangerous in a closed system."

What is this hope? Because of Jesus' death we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven. Because of Jesus' death we have the hope that life does not end in death. Because of Jesus' death we have the hope that there is a light at the end of every dark tunnel. Because of Jesus' death we have the hope that evil will not triumph over good. Easter is the hope of Good Friday. But we have to embrace Good Friday before we can experience Easter. In this present crisis, let the hope of the cross sustain us so that we can celebrate the resurrection of new life that will come afterwards.