Image: Good Friday II © Jan Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Good Friday: John 18.1-19.42
Each time we stretch out our arms in love to one another, every time we open our hearts, we find the shadow of the cross, but also a glimpse of the open tomb. We are nailed indeed. It is our keenest grief, and our deepest joy.
—from Good Friday: In Which We Get Nailed
The Painted Prayerbook, March 2008
That he can still speak.
That in the depths of his pain and his dying, he does not cease to say what he needs to say.
That as he lets go, he leaves them with words of comfort and release, of lamentation and love.
Forgive. You will be with me. Behold. Forsaken. Thirst. Finished. Into your hands.
Knowing that these are his last words, but not his final ones.
That after this, there will be a span of silence. And that soon the silence will come to an end.
For now, we watch, we weep, we bear witness, we wait.
* * *
For this day, I’ve gathered together a collection of reflections I’ve written for Good Friday over the past decade. I offer them with gratitude and many blessings. Deep peace to you in these days.
Good Friday: Still
Good Friday: A Blessing for What Abides
Day 39/Good Friday: They Took the Body of Jesus
Good Friday: In Which We Get Nailed
Using Jan’s artwork
To use the image “Good Friday II,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. (This is also available as an art print. After clicking over to the image’s page on the Jan Richardson Images site, just scroll down to the “Purchase as an Art Print” section.) Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!
Using Jan’s words
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March 30, 2018 at 9:37 PM |
I am a long-time friend of Rev. Elizabeth Nordquist. She is also my Spiritual Director. My brother Jeff has end-stage Cystic Fibrosis. While we hope to have him listed for double-lung transplant, he and my family are nevertheless acutely aware that either way, he is likely facing the end of his life. Your post today is so honest and nourishing as bread for our journey… With gratitude, Heather Cariou
March 30, 2018 at 10:50 PM |
Heather, thank you so much for the gift of your words. My heart goes out to Jeff and to all your family, along with many, many blessings as you walk this journey.
So grateful for our mutual connection in the marvelous Elizabeth Nordquist!
Thank you again, Heather. Deep peace to you and yours this Easter and always.