April 14, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Good Friday

“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 of the cross 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. Beginning at one congregation, we stop and pray at seven different locations including all four churches in Lemoyne, the fire station, Family Promise, and the Borough Building. Why? Because we need more prayers in our lives, and we need to pray for the people, the ministries, and the presence of Christ in our community. 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.

Take time this Good Friday and remember the cross. Christ hung on the cross from noon until three in the afternoon. During those three hours, stop what you are doing and say a prayer thanking G-d for sending us Jesus – who offers salvation for all people. G-d is Good all of the time.

Please collect a tube of toothpaste for Trinity’s Table to bring on Easter Sunday morning.

Pastor Dave