The Crucifixion -- Marc Chagall
I woke up on this Good Friday, God's Friday, Black Friday, to hear that a worship service took place today in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. . As most of us know, this vast church building, a World Heritage Site which is steeped in history is under repair after extensive fire damage last year. The seating capacity of the cathedral is 9,000 but because it is closed to the public, and the restoration is suspended during the pandemic, only seven people were involved in the service. The massive pipe organ was silent, so a lone violinist played. A crown of thorns saved from the flames was part of this solemn recognition of the crucifixion of Jesus, the Christ.
Notre Dame Cathedral Crown of Thorns
This is a Black Friday for most of the people of the planet, regardless of religious affiliation or lack of one. We are awash in statistics from countries around the world which tell a grim story of infection, and illness and death. It is as though Earth itself is wearing a crown of thorns.
We can lose sight of the individual stories of suffering and loss. A couple of days ago Ruth, my wife, spoke to a friend from our Sudbury days back through the 90's. There were many young families in that congregation and one included three highly energetic boys, all teutonically blonde, like their lovely mother. Ruth heard that she is in the last stage of pancreatic cancer, devastating news in itself, but because of restrictions on visitors in the hospital she is dying without the comfort of her family by her side.
The same day I met a local midwife whom we met through Bridge St. United Church. We spoke from opposite sides of the street and she admitted that her work is stressful with so many expectant mothers not knowing what to expect during the weeks ahead. If the pandemic intensifies, who will be allowed to be present during births, both in hospitals and alternative settings? Our daughter and son-in-law who are expecting later in May are already considering all the options. but we simply don't know what will transpire. Giving birth alone is an unsettling prospect.
There is a profound aloneness to the story of the crucifixion, and we recall today Jesus' crie de coeur from the cross "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Today, as I ponder the love of Christ, even to a lonely death on the cross, I pray that God's comfort, Christ's comfort is with all those who suffer physically, or are frightened, or are in the midst of grief.
What is it with fish and Good Friday? Today's Groundling blog
https://groundlingearthyheavenly.blogspot.com/2020/04/fish-and-good-friday.html
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