It’s my favorite holiday. I love oxymorons, mysteries, riddles, and Good Friday is the epitome of that.
We took our God, who was so good, and we killed Him. And we thought all was lost. And in hindsight we call it good.
I can never fully get into the despair of Good Friday. I feel for Mary, Mary Magdalene, John, and all the others who had to live this experience. They did know Good Friday as they lived it. It was maybe “What Happened” Friday or “How Could This” Friday or “God, I will trust you but I am breaking and broken” Friday. I can never fall into that despair fully because I know what is coming. And despite the pain and sadness of this day, I remember that Jesus knew what was coming do and He chose it and He did it. And in a small way, if He did it, I can get some small strength to endure my sufferings too.
This is my first Holy Week since going to Jerusalem so I want to share some photos that resonate with today. The images from the church here are from the “Basilica of the Agony” or “Church of All Nations”. The rock is front of the altar is where it is believed that Jesus cried his tears of blood. I love the images of Jesus’ humanity and sorrow, and also that treacherous traitor’s kiss. I was able to touch the rock and again, with many things in the Holy Land, it’s so unfathomable that God walked in this very place so long ago and that same God I have received most of my life had arms and legs and blood and was here!
We also got to visit a Shroud of Turin exhibit which was so fascinating. Be careful before scrolling because some of the photos are graphic. While I don’t “need” facts to prove my faith, it is so neat to see how scientists have been able to verify that what we hear in the Passion narrative.
3D statue made based on the cloth
