All Joking Aside . . .

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One of the things we are supposed to do on Good Friday, in addition to abstaining from meat, is to fast.  Two of our meals throughout the day should not equal the third.  I always like to joke that this is easy to do if you just make your third meal really big!  If you do that, then the other two can be normal as they will never equal the third.

I know, kind of a silly thought on this Good Friday, but, hey, it's how I think.  Of course, that way of thinking is erroneous, and admittedly, it's not my practice, but a foodie can dream can't she?

All kidding aside, this is a great day to make an examination of conscience.  There are many out there.  Some people like to review there sins against the Ten Commandments.  I prefer one of the Daily Examination of Consciences under the Prayers in the list on the Laudate App on my phone.

Anyway, whichever you choose, just remember that an examination is not supposed to be a time when you beat yourself up over your sins.  A true examination looks at not only your sins, but the good that God is doing in you.

As it should, our examination allows us to connect what Jesus did on the cross for us with an awareness of our sins, which helps us to get to a place of genuine gratitude.  Our liturgy over these three days can be very beautiful.  Sometimes elaborately choreographed.  But, if we are hyper-focused on the quality of our music, the perfection of our lectors (readers), or the appearance of reverence in our priests, we are missing the point.

These things are all great, but in reality, the death of Jesus on the cross had none of those things, and yet, it was powerful.  May your Good Friday be free of distractions, temptations and work, allowing you to enter spiritually into the suffering and death of Jesus, which was done for each of us.

Janet Cassidy
#goodfriday

 

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