See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. —Isaiah 52:13 (NRSV)
What a holy day this is, Good Friday. But taken on its own, the events of this day feel anything but good. Jesus, Who rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey only five days ago, is headed toward the Cross today. He gave up His life for His friends, most of whom stood aside and silently watched Him go to His death. The love that Jesus showed inspires me and spurs me to focus on the parts of my life where I live unaffected by God’s love.
On this day, in many churches around the world, coverings are placed over the images of Jesus, including the Crucifix or crosses and any paintings of Him. This is a solemn act that’s intended to direct us toward mourning. Similarly, there is a tradition in many churches to bury the alleluias we sing and say. Alleluia comes from Hebrew and means “Praise the Lord.”
Today, think of not saying it as a sort of verbal fast. When we hear, say and sing it again, two days from now, we will appreciate and mean it all the more. I have never experienced Christ’s love like a thunderbolt, but I’ve seen and been through a slow process of transfiguration at various times in my life—times when I have been affected by God’s love.
There was the year that I lost a lot of weight, the summer when I fell in love with my wife, the beautiful moments spent with my children or caring for someone. Transformations can come when we live a life with God. With Him, we “shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.”
Giver of all life, today is the day that You died on a tree. For this I am full of love and gratitude and sadness.
