The service tonight commemorating the Passion and Death of our Lord was extremely poignant. Just a few hours before it started, I was asked to serve as the lector for the lengthly readings. I also remembered to genuflect to the Crucifix because the Eucharist is not present today in the Church (GIRM 274). I read the readings and I think it went well. I also was honored to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. My favorite part of Mass followed the petitions when the Cross was carried to the altar and the priest who stop on say, "This is the wood of the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the world." I can't get those words out of my head - God died on a tree for me!
And since I was seated on the sanctuary by the altar, I was able to look out and see a beautiful moment. When everyone came forth for the veneration of the Cross, all kissed the feet on the Crucifix. There were many elderly people there. But, there were also middle-aged and teenagers there. Every last one of them, even the small children, approached the crucifix and tenderly kissed Jesus's feet in remembrance for His love. I had to gaze out in the congregation, and I just thought about the death of Jesus. For each one of them individually, Jesus Christ died, every last one of them. Today we remembered that God died on the Cross. And God died for everyone of those people - the saint and the sinner. Nails pierced His Body in the ultimate expression of love. For Jesus Christ was the same God of the Old Testament that saved His people and brought them from salvary, and on this day His own people did not know Him.
And since I was seated on the sanctuary by the altar, I was able to look out and see a beautiful moment. When everyone came forth for the veneration of the Cross, all kissed the feet on the Crucifix. There were many elderly people there. But, there were also middle-aged and teenagers there. Every last one of them, even the small children, approached the crucifix and tenderly kissed Jesus's feet in remembrance for His love. I had to gaze out in the congregation, and I just thought about the death of Jesus. For each one of them individually, Jesus Christ died, every last one of them. Today we remembered that God died on the Cross. And God died for everyone of those people - the saint and the sinner. Nails pierced His Body in the ultimate expression of love. For Jesus Christ was the same God of the Old Testament that saved His people and brought them from salvary, and on this day His own people did not know Him.
"A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful, who in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross and kiss it" (Source)
We began the service in silence and ended it the same. It was as if I had gone to a funeral of my closest friend - who gave up His life for me.
Pope Benedict XVI presided at his first Good Friday service today as the Vicar of Christ, the Pope. Read his speech that he gave at the end of the Stations of the Cross.
Pope Benedict XVI presided at his first Good Friday service today as the Vicar of Christ, the Pope. Read his speech that he gave at the end of the Stations of the Cross.
2 comments:
Beautiful.
Thank you, Kim. Good Friday was just so poignant that I had to talk about it.
And, congratulations! You're going to enter the Church tonight!
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