Friday Five- He Didn't Die for Nothing

Rev HRod writes: As a child the designation "good" for today confused me. How could we call such a somber day, good? Holy, yes. Blessed, yes. But, good?

As an adult I understand the meaning of good for this day. It is a solemn day of remembrance but it is also a time for us to stop and recall the great gift of love that we received this day. And that is most certainly good.

Our worship today will differ from place to place. Some services will focus on the great litany of prayers. Others will use the seven last words of Jesus. Some of us will walk the stations of the cross. Others will participate in a Tennebrae service of shadows and light.

I hope that this Friday Five will be a meaningful part of your Good Friday. God's blessings to you on your journey.

Our prayer concerns are as varied as we are this day. For whom would you like us to pray?
For all in the world who are the "Blesseds" in the Beautitudes.

Are there things you have done or will do today to help the young ones understand this important day in our lives?
I am not sure I have done as much as I could. In truth, we struggle as adults to face this message. It is a challenge to impress upon kids that which makes us cringe. One small way is to take the palm from Palm Sunday and weave it into a cross- to show that this is the path Jesus took to save us.

Music plays an important part in sharing the story of this day. Is there a hymn or piece of music that you have found particularly meaningful to your celebrations of Good Friday?

"Ah Holy Jesus" "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" - the idea that I crucified thee- none of us can claim to be better than those who actually carried it out.

As you hear the passion narrative, is there a character that you particularly resonate with?

As a parent I wonder what Mary the mother of Jesus must have experienced. And wonder when she knew how it would be? So often we focus on the prominent figures in the story, but there in the shadows was Mary.

Where have you seen the gracious God of love at work lately?

In the faces of all of those who see Christ in others, particularly those who work to help the homeless, the mentally ill, and the oppressed, often in ways that go unnoticed by the mainstream. Like the church that hold a service under an underpass in California for the homeless and migrants who "live" there.
Today's video post by Jars of Clay says it- "You didn't die for nothing."
Blessed Holy Week and Easter to all. Pax Christe.