Good Friday

Today is called Good Friday. It is the beginning of Easter weekend. I recently read an article posted by a friend regarding this weekend. The writer mentioned that we tend to focus on Easter Sunday as a time of hope. But we fail to take into account how the people felt on this day so many years ago, when Christ was sentenced to death. He warned his disciples of his impending end, yet they couldn’t fathom the unfairness of ending the life of a man who spread the word of God and was an example of how to behave towards each other in the light of love. Christ was aware of the future and did what he could to ready those that loved him, yet they were still unable to understand. Can you imagine what it felt like to see this all unfold in front of you? Knowing there was little you could do to stop the tragedy that was already in motion. The sounds and smell of the crowds as they watched Him drag the cross that was to be His foundation for His torture. Weary, harmed and confused as to why His Father allowed this to happen to him. That moment when even Christ lost his faith as did all those that watched on in horror at a sight so unbelievable they couldn’t wrap their minds and hearts around it. A moment in time that was so against everything they believed in. Their collective spirit held it’s breath as they waited for the miracle that would stop the pain, waited for God to answer their prayers, and in the light of day realize that moment wasn’t going to come. Can you imagine how you would have felt knowing He forgave the thief on the cross next to him, while all the while wondering why this horrible thing was happening to Him. Showing us yet again, that no matter what is going on, it takes but a moment to offer hope to another. No matter what happened to you, or what you have done, there is always an opportunity to share and lift up someone in need. Knowing in his last moments He forgave those that had caused Him so much harm, and those He loved so much pain. There is a great lesson there. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing. It can free those that have suffered under the weight of wrongdoing, and give a clean slate to allow life to continue without dragging that event with you. Those that lived in that time saw the event and felt the loss of all hope. They had hit rock bottom and were in essence cleansed of all worries or fears they had held before. Those minor indiscretions had a different weight. Sure they were important as lessons and they still held the changing of the path for some and the new strength for others. How do you compare that to losing the Messiah? Our spiritual well-being is what holds us together in times of need. And Christ’s followers knowing the greatest man they had ever known, was ended. It seems it is important to remember the loss, the pain, the fear in order to fully appreciate the resurrection. We are dual entities. We need both ends of an emotion to full appreciate how wonderful the positive feelings are. So today is a great day to cleanse yourself of those indiscretions you have yet to forgive. Allow humans to be fallible, just as you are. Forgive them, as the example we have been given. Drop that weight, open up to a fuller life and a better you.