Image: Good Friday II © Jan Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Good Friday: John 18.1-19.42
There they crucified him.
—John 18.18
What Abides
For Good Friday
You will know
this blessing
by how it
does not stay still,
by the way it
refuses to rest
in one place.
You will recognize it
by how it takes
first one form,
then another:
now running down
the face of the mother
who watches the breaking
of the child
she had borne,
now in the stance
of the woman
who followed him here
and will not leave him
bereft.
Now it twists in anguish
on the mouth of the friend
whom he loved;
now it bares itself
in the wound,
the cry,
the finishing and
final breath.
This blessing
is not in any one
of these alone.
It is what
binds them
together.
It is what dwells
in the space
between them,
though it be torn
and gaping.
It is what abides
in the tear
the rending makes.
—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace
Also for Good Friday . . .
Several years ago, Gary and I created a video that intertwines my Seven Last Words art series with Gary’s exquisite song “This Crown of Thorns.” I would love to share it with you. [For my email subscribers: if you don’t see the video below, click here to go to The Painted Prayerbook site, where you can view it in this post.]
Using Jan’s artwork…
To use the image “Good Friday II,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible.
Using Jan’s words…
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this blog without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. Please include this info in a credit line: “© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.” For other uses, visit Copyright Permissions.
March 24, 2016 at 5:07 PM |
Thank you so much, Jan for this deeply moving poem. I have been following your seasonal writings for some time now, and your poetry always leaves me silent. Also this time. Wishing you a Blessed Easter.
Warm regards, Emma
March 25, 2016 at 1:10 AM |
Thank you for the blessings you share
March 25, 2016 at 7:47 AM |
The blessing in the faces and hearts of those who stand by the cross–in the words of the one who hangs there—for love—for love of those who would know no other love without Him. The blessing of knowing that we risk this earthly frame when we love the “unlovely”–when we offer God’s blessing to the stranger, the cripple, the enemy, the hungry—when we recognize their needs as we see them through God’s eyes–through the eyes through which Jesus, the Christ, sees all our pain–and our joy–our hurts–and our healings.
March 25, 2016 at 9:01 AM |
Thank you for sharing this beautiful blessing.
March 25, 2016 at 9:31 AM |
Jan, you take my breath away with the depth of your “knowing!” Thank you so much, for sharing yours ad Gary’s video…Tonight I will be offering a Good Friday evening service based on the Seven Last Words…using the Scipture followed by a short poem/reflection on each word…Yours, together with your art and Gary’s song, is powerful in its simplicity.
Might I presume to share this brief reflection that introudces this evening’s service:
“Time to Grieve”
We gather here
In Sabbath preparation
and to grieve
with his disciples and friends
We are all grieving something
Or have been
Or will be
Loss of family member…
Spouse…child…parent…
Friend…broken trust…betrayal
Mobility…stability…disease
Or…even … God
Reflect with us on this week…
a microcosm
of whatever time
we need in our grief
We can’t rush our feelings
During these days
Between our Hosannas
and what…
as 21st century Followers of the Way…
we know…or presume to know…
–sue mannshardt, 3/17/16
Blessngs as we all go through this day and what follows with grief and sadness, joy and praise!
March 25, 2016 at 5:11 PM |
Sue, thank you so much for sharing your reflection! So lovely. It speaks to me on this Good Friday, and on this path of grief and hope. I am grateful for you and am sending many blessings as you prepare for tonight’s service. May you have a joyous Easter to come!
March 25, 2016 at 9:48 AM |
Thank you Jan for sharing this video with us again this year. I re-read “Garden of Hollows” last night. So good to walk with you this Holy Week. Peace and love always, Sue
March 25, 2016 at 5:12 PM |
Bless you and thank you, Sue! I am grateful for your words, and for you. Blessings and love to you on this Good Friday and always.
March 25, 2016 at 10:22 AM |
Jan, thank you so much. I have your book “Circle of Grace” and quite often share the blessings at a Bible Study I have in my home. Thank you for sharing the video. It touched me deeply!
March 25, 2016 at 5:13 PM |
Friends, thank you so much for the gift of your words. As we move through this Good Friday, I am grateful for the thoughtfulness you bring to the path. Deep peace to you.
March 30, 2018 at 6:50 AM |
Jan,
I just discovered your postings this Lent and am so grateful for your art and deep but simple words and images.
I have been deeply touched.