What Abides - For Good Friday -
Jan Richardson
You will know
this blessing
by how it
does not stay still,
by the way it
refuses to rest
in one place.
You will recognize it
by how it takes
first one form,
then another:
now running down
the face of the mother
who watches the breaking
of the child
she had borne,
now in the stance
of the woman
who followed him here
and will not leave him
bereft.
Now it twists in anguish
on the mouth of the friend
whom he loved;
now it bares itself
in the wound,
the cry,
the finishing and
final breath.
This blessing
is not in any one
of these alone.
It is what
binds them
together.
It is what dwells
in the space
between them,
though it be torn
and gaping.
It is what abides
in the tear
the rending makes.
from Circle of Grace
Tenebrae - A solemn remembrance for Good Friday. As candles were extinguished after each reading tonight there was a sad rediscovery of pain and loss in the sanctuary draped in black. Pastor Emillie was wearing all black, as were others who attended.
There was a dramatized ache many felt which culminated in the sound meant to represent the closing of the tomb. It was a solemn and reflective gathering that commemorated the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The atmosphere quickly became somber and reverent, as attendees contemplate the sacrifice made by Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.
No comments:
Post a Comment