Nowadays, for most people Good Friday is just another day. Fewer and fewer people recognize it. Sometimes I even wonder if the holiness and gravity of it is becoming a thing of the past. And if so, that really saddens me.
When I was growing up, Good Friday was a very special day. Schools were cancelled. Businesses closed early. And everyone went to Good Friday services.
I was always fascinated by our service, usually held in the afternoon at the time that Jesus died. Everything in the sanctuary was draped in black cloth, the hymns and sermon centered around Jesus’ death, and the mood was somber and contemplative. When the service was over, everyone left the sanctuary silently.
The gravity stayed with me all through the weekend.
When we returned to church on Easter morning the sanctuary was transformed, draped in white with baskets of Easter lilies everywhere. The hymns and sermon were victorious. And the mood was joyful with everyone smiling and laughing.
I realize now that having the starkness of the Good Friday service was what made Easter morning so glorious. The contrast brought out the beauty.
Too often in our modern culture, when we suffer or face hardships our first reaction is to shake our fists at God and ask “Why?” or “How can you let this happen?”
We may never know why bad things happen and we may never have answers to our questions about suffering. But I am learning that the pains of this life help to magnify the joyful times.
After those times I’ve experienced physical pain, I’m all the more grateful for good health. When I’ve experienced broken relationships, I’m more appreciative of the good connections I have. When I’ve lost love ones to death, I’m all the more grateful for waking each morning.
Without the contrast would we be able to experience joy and beauty as deeply?
As we pause and remember Jesus’ death today, may it increase our hope and joy in all our tomorrows.
Blessings on this truly Good Friday.
Jody Hedlund
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Thanks for such a powerful post, Jody. Such a wonderful reminder of how special Good Friday should be and how hard times illuminate the good so much more. Have a blessed Easter.
Thank you, Jody, for this perspective. The dark times just magnify the joy over good times. May you have a blessed Good Friday and Easter!
Very inspiring post. Looking forward to the joy of Easter morning.
Thank you!
In an aside to this lovely posting, our church does a Dixieland Transfiguration service on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday – our own little Mardi Gras, so to speak. Lots of jazz, gospel music, and yes, green, gold, and purple beads! The saints are certainly marching in! Our music director has another life as a jazz pianist, so he brings in his jazz musician buddies for the day. And yes, after such a celebratory service, the same stark reminder of Good Friday hits us on Wednesday when we begin the contemplative days of Lent. Blessing to you and yours this weekend.