Good Friday

The focus today is attending Good Friday Services at church. The kids have Friday off and Monday of next week allowing for an extended holy week. Today at church is much longer than usual in addition to being much more quiet with no processional music, no greeting or blessing. Last night the focus was the last supper with the washing of the feet. Today we read the passion, this year it is from John, followed by the veneration of the cross. The congregation always takes the part of the crowd. (The priest is Jesus, lectors take the part of a voice and narrator.) I always find it disturbing that we are the ones to vilify Him. "Crucify Him!"

Would you have had the courage to defy the crowd? Looking back you always believe that you would have behaved differently. But not even Peter stood next to him by denying him even as Jesus foretold. It is difficult to remember that we are not supposed to be sad. Today is the best day of our lives. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. We should be joyous.