March 25, 2016

“Now when it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. Around three oʼclock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Leave him alone! Letʼs see if Elijah will come to take him down!” But Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. And the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood in front of him, saw how he died, he said, “Truly this man was Godʼs Son!” Mark 15:33-39

On this day in my congregation we will participate in a Tenebrae Service – or traditionally know as a service of light. Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness”. It is used to recreate the emotions of the events of Good Friday. Any opportunity we have to take a full day and remember the Cross of Jesus Christ and the centrality the cross is to have in our lives is a good day – something good to do on Good Friday.

Another tradition we have is the procession of the cross through Lemoyne and to stop at different stations in the community to offer prayer. We stop at each church, and then also stop at the fire station, the borough building, and several community ministries.

These are some of the things we do on Good Friday. Why is it called Good Friday? There is no clear answer of the origin of “Good” Friday. Some say it comes from the phrase “G*d’s Friday”. That seems reasonable. But others point to the fact that what Christ did for all of humanity was so “Good”, that even though it involves his death on a cross, it is Good for all people. There are many ways to honor the day of Good Friday. Some congregations hold a service from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm – the traditional hours that Christ hung on the cross. During those three hours, sermons are delivered on the seven last words of Christ. Those seven last words from the Gospels include:

“Father Forgive, for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Today you will be with me in Paradise”
“Woman here is your son; son here is your Mother”
“My G*d, My G*d, why have you forsaken Me”
“I am thirsty”
“It is Finished”
“Father, Into Your hands I commend my Spirit”

So, with so many options, do something good, and attend a Good Friday service today. After all, G-d is Good all of the time.

Pastor Dave

March 24, 2016

Maundy Thursday is another important day of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday signifies the beginning of the great “Three Days” of the Triduum, which encompasses the last three days of Lent.

The word Triduum comes from the Latin word meaning “three days.” It begins the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends at Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. Thus the Triduum consists of three full days which begin and end in the evening. The Triduum technically is not part of Lent (at least liturgically), but Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are still reckoned as part of the traditional forty day Lenten fast.

The Triduum celebrates the heart of our faith, salvation, and redemption: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, the Triduum commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist (the “sacrament of sacraments”), the passion, crucifixion, death of the Lord, his descent to the dead, and finally his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. Along with the Ascension, these important events make up the Paschal Mystery. Thus the Triduum becomes the culmination of our liturgical year including the Easter Triduum, and Easter Sunday, the “solemnity of solemnities,” the “Great Feast.”

On the night of the celebration of Maundy Thursday, not only do we remember the last supper, but we remember the commandment Christ gave to his disciples to “love one another”. It was not a holy suggestion – it was a command:

“I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

This is one of the reasons we need Maundy Thursday – we need to be reminded that we are to love one another because we so often fail at love. And I am not talking now about love of a spouse or “Eros” love, I am talking about “Philia” love or love of brother and sister, and “Agape” love, love of G-d. It is so important in the Kingdom of G-d that Jesus needed to command that we love one another. In this season of Easter coming up, when you peer upon the cross on Good Friday, and then marvel at the empty tomb of Easter Sunday, remember to love one another.

Pastor Dave