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So what’s so good about this Friday?

March 29, 2024

Isaiah 52:13-53:12  |  Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9  |  John 18:1-19:42  |  Psalm 22

I first started attending St. Luke’s in 1995… in a few years, I would join the Canterbury Choir and be part of a tradition of Taizé services on Good Friday, much beloved by parishioners and visitors alike.

Good Friday is the most uncomfortable day of the Christian year for me.

The death of Jesus is not an easy read. Year in and year out. To this day, I still wrestle with the idea that Jesus died for my sins so I can be forgiven. Rough stuff for a man preaching love and kindness.

John’s recollection of this day is a lengthy account of hatred, fear, betrayal, and death. And not a death from old age. The guy was killed. Just 33 years old. By fellow humans. This was no natural disaster, my friends.

I know this is only part of the Holy Week story, which ends with the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday in triumph over sin and death. As followers of Jesus, we too triumph over sin and death.

As the years pass, Holy Week has taken on much greater importance for me.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening services, enriched by parishioner sermons, prepare me for what is to come by week’s end. Maundy Thursday’s Passover dinner and foot-washing stir strong emotions in me to serve and be served, followed by The Watch, a time of prayer in a darkened sanctuary with others that lasts well into the evening. Good Friday’s Taizé service offers a time for contemplation and reflection as I sing chants, sit at the cross, and light a candle, all part of our evening ritual acknowledging Jesus’ crucifixion. I attend Saturday’s Easter Vigil and participate in The First Eucharist of Easter. And finally, Easter Sunday! The celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection in all its splendor, with a moving sermon and glorious music filling the sanctuary. Later, I thank God for Easter dinner with family and friends.

A lot to pack into one week!

So, I invite you to come to St. Luke’s this Friday. Attend the noon prayer service or join our Taizé service at 7pm and be part of an understated but profoundly moving hour that reminds me of what’s so good about this Friday!

”Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom…” – Luke 23:42

Rob Walsh