Holy Friday

"Jesus said, 'For this I was born and for this I came into the World, to testify to the Truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." [John 18: 37].

Good Friday is also known as Holy Friday. I have always wondered about how this day could possibly be described as "good". For this is the day that Jesus died on the cross.

I went to pray in my church today. The eternal flame, in the candle over the Tabernacle, was extinguished. The font of Holy Water was empty, not burbling as usual. The Tabernacle of the Blessed Sacrament that usually contains the Host, was open, but empty. Tiny sparrows have, over time, taken up residence in the church, and built nests. Usually, they chirp happily as I sit and pray. Even they were silent. All around me was sadness.

I am going through this now, in real time, with an elderly relative. This is a man who has always been the father I never had. He treats me like a daughter. He is gentle, never angry. He has a deep faith. He is kind, generous to a fault. Although he is frail and fading away, he bears it all with such incredible grace.

When my husband and I murmur to him about his condition, he comforts US. He says, "No one lives forever, you know."

I get angry sometimes. It seems like there are people in this world who are evil and self-absorbed and prideful. And yet they seem to prosper. This reminds me of Job 21:7-- "Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and increasing their power? Their homes are safe and free from fear. Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know your ways.' "

I feel selfish sometimes. I want my dear relative here with me. I am not willing to let him go, even though I know that God's plan for him is to go to Heaven. Why can't this dear relative live forever? Yet, he is suffering so, how can I wish him to continue in this life?

I cry sometimes. I really NEED this man in my life. Can't he see that he needs to stay by my side?

He comforts me, he give me wise advice.

Above all, I dread his funeral because that will really mean "goodbye". I will be lost without him.

Then, I think, How can I remember him and make his life really mean something? I will celebrate his birthday every year. I will sorrowfully commemorate his date of death. Perhaps I will prepare and serve a special meal, and invite others to share it with me?

Above all, I want to become like this man, to ensure that his special character lives on in ME. I want to be as humble, as gentle, as loving, as concerned with justice as my dear departed. This is what will ensure that he lives on in this world. I also want to tell others what this man meant to me.

Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to us in human form. If I feel all of this with my beloved relative, how much more so do I feel these things with Jesus? We celebrate His birth at Christmas. We mourn His death on Good Friday. We prepare and share a special meal, the Eucharist: ["Do this in remembrance of me". 1 Corinthians 11:24] .

We honor His life as meaningful and Holy, by emulating His virtues. " My children, I will be with you only a little longer. A new commandment I give unto you, as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples.". [13:15].

We still may want to hold onto Jesus and not let Him go. But Jesus said, "Do not hold onto me . . . . . ." [John 20:17]. He knew that He was destined to go to the Father.

Good Friday is like witnessing, with a heavy heart, the funeral for Jesus. We are in mourning. But on the third day, we know, that we will celebrate His rising again. Jesus will be at the right hand of His Father. This was God's plan all along!

God, I do not want to accept the death of Your Son. But I know that He lives on in my heart!

[Related Posts: "Good Friday", April 22, 2011].

(c) Spiritual Devotional 2012. All Rights Reserved.