This Friday that is called Good because of Jesus’ deep love for us—a love stretched out for us on a cross. Through Music, Scripture and Prayer we offer you an opportunity to ponder and reflect upon the gift of life given to you through the death of Jesus.
Tonight, we must stay paused at Jesus’ death and not rush too fast to Easter. For those of you online, you may want to sit in darkened room. You can have your screen on or off.
This is a day that is filled with the words: Betrayal, Arrest, Denial, Guilt, Trial, Riot, Cowardice, Sentencing, Blaming, Violence, Pain, Suffering, Death.
These are words that still hold a tight grip on us in our world. They are words that fill our news streams and our lives even still. Do you come here tonight feeling heavy hearted, numb, exhausted, uncertain, angry, ashamed, yet longing for hope?
Today we invite you to sit with Jesus who HOLDS all these words with us -- who holds space for the pain, sorrow, suffering, injustice of our world. Who holds our sin, our doubt, our fear. We sit with Jesus who HOLDs you in all that you are – Jesus entered into this world to reveal how deep is God’s love for you -- deep enough to enter death for YOU.
Today we live in the mystery that Jesus walked this earth – God incarnate -- fully Human – who became like us in every way that we might know we are not alone in our humanness. Yet, Jesus remained fully God – the visible image of the invisible God. And the only One who could stand in our place and be our Reconciliation. Thanks be to God.
Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Nothing.
Amen