It is Finished

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stick of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ Lips.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:29-30

What is finished? His life? His mission? These are questions asked by scholars and theologians and church leaders for centuries. Perhaps we might never fully know the answer, at least not yet. God’s ways are always perfect, with purpose. However; we often struggle to understand His reasons. One of my favorite interpretations of the phrase “It is finished” is that Jesus was referring to the Passover and the final cup. There is much speculation and heated debate as to whether or not Christ offered up all four cups at His Last Supper. Many believe there were only three blessings, three cups. His sacrifice on the cross is seen as the Fourth Cup, the Cup of Acceptance.

I will take you to Myself as a people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
Exodus 6:7

John goes on to tell us that the legs of those crucified with Christ were broken to hasten their death on the cross. But when the soldiers came to the Lord, they saw that He was already dead. So a soldier pierced His side with a spear. Blood and water came gushing out. And so the Sacramental Life of the Church began.

Good Friday is a day of prayer, abstinance and fasting. This allows us to share in His suffering that we may come to know His resurrection.

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If this soup seems familiar, you would be right. It is the soup we began our Lenten Season with on Ash Wednesday, with just a few minor changes. The Worcestershire Sauce and papriak have been eliminated. The onion cut in half while Cayenne Pepper brings a little heat to the broth. Finally the Orzo Pasta adds another layer of texture. Have a blessed and fruitful Good Friday.

Orzo Vegetable Soup
1/2 White Onion
2 large Carrots
3 Celery Ribs
1 (28 oz) can Whole Peeled Tomatoes
3 tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
4 cups Beef Stock
1 cup Orzo Pasta
Parsley for garnish, optional
Pita Bread for serving

Peel and dice the onion. Peel and slice the carrots. Trim celery ribs, slice. Drain whole tomatoes, reserve juices. Chop the tomatoes into bite-size pieces.

In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter. Cook onions, carrots and celery until the onions are translucent. Stir in tomatoes with their juices. Flavor with salt, pepper, and Cayenne Pepper. Add beef stock. Bring soup to a boil, add Orzo Pasta. Let boil for 3 minutes

Reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes for the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to develop. While the soup simmers, snip fresh parsley for garnish.

Ladle into small bowls or cups, garnish with parsley. Serve with warm pita bread.

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 Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.

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Good Friday Readings – The Lord’s Passion
1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Vesper Before the Gospel: Philippians 2:8-9
Gospel: John 18:1-19; 42