I spent a good part of the day thinking about our Good Friday service. I lead music at our church and the pastor had the idea to make the Good Friday service a reflection on the cross through music and word, guided by the seven last words of Christ.
"I tell you today you will be with me in paradise"
"Son, behold your mother. Mother, behold your son."
"My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me."
"I thirst"
"It is finished"
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit"
Looking at the passion through the words spoken from the cross is a new perspective. Removing the visuals and peering in deeper to the heart of Christ - his humanity, his love, his emotion - as he bore the weight of the world that dark Friday.
I am inspired by the love and compassion - that even as Jesus is abandoned by everyone, nailed to a cross at the spurn of the world's hate, forsaken by God, he finds compassion for the thief next to him and for his grieving mother at his feet. I pray that a small measure of that Spirit rest with me and enable me to see beyond my own emotions and situation and reach out with compassion to those around me.
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