Good Friday Reflections
This afternoon and tonight we held Good Friday worship at Ascension, as did many throughout the world. Our worship centered on the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, done in a very traditional way. Not alot of music, nothing upbeat; instead it was stark and silent. There were periods of intentional silence, which was uncomfortable.
At Ascension, it is almost never quiet; but today there wasn't alot of conversation among the congregation before either worship. Lights were low. We didn't begin with a song. Service began in prayer and scripture. During the sermon, there was silence as we reflected on our sin buried with Jesus, and our stuggle to trust God enough to leave it there. I closed my eyes, intending about 4 minutes of silence--about the time of a song--but opened my eyes to see less than a minute had passed. So I closed my eyes again and waited. If I was uncomfortable I knew others were. Ended my sermon with Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
Then we had silence during the bidding prayer. Not as uncomfortable.
The most uncomfortable time for me was at the end of service. I was kneeling at the rail, we had sung "Were you There?" People were invited to stay as long as they wish for prayer and meditation. I listened for people to go. I could hear a little rustling of paper, but felt that people were staying. Were they staying because they were praying? I am sure some were. But for most, including me after a while, I stayed because I wasn't sure what to do.
I am sure that is similar to that first Good Friday, and all the Good Friday's since. We don't know what to do. Attendance between the services was just under 100 people. Among those attending were people grieving the death of a brother and a son who died unexpectedly on Tuesday. There were those who attend every year, but tell me they really don't like Good Friday. People left worship tonight saying Happy Easter. People are already posting Easter stuff. This not yet, uncertain time is way too uncomfortable for many of us to embrace.
As I sit at home, watching women's basketball and eating a late dinner, I wonder if that is part of our problem, our challenge in faith. We want the Jesus who is actively healing, preaching, causing people to talk. We want the Jesus who challenges authority, who holds children, and raises a dead friend. We want the Jesus that prompts us to decorate the worship space with poinsettias or lily's.
The truth is, and the older I get the more aware I am, is that this day, this day where we adore the cross, is the day when Jesus gifted us with healing, love, and grace beyond any measure. It was love that made him willing to go to the cross, it was love that he willingly took away our sin. To participate in Easter without experiencing this uncomfortable time would leave Easter a bit empty for me. I know a lot of people will be at worship on Easter, but there is no Easter without Good Friday. There is no resurrection without death.
Our scripture tonight began with the day of preparation. I pray that whether you attended worship this day or not, you will prepare yourself for the festival. Read the story of the crucifixion, share it with friends. Live in the uncomfortableness of preparation--for it is in this that the joy will come! a
