Good Friday

I could barely force myself to read the account of Jesus crucifixion in John 18:1-19:42 this morning. It's so painful, even to read. Although his faults and wrong actions are plentiful, I'll still forever be grateful to Mel Gibson for producing the movie The Passion. Because floggings and crucifixions are so far removed from my cultural context, it wasn't until I watched that movie that what Jesus suffered for me became more real; I had a mental picture.

I don't think I'll ever get past being totally blown away that Jesus, the God of the Hosts of the Armies of Heaven, was first of all willing to take on human form and come live among us, then was willing to suffer and die on the cross, to take on the sin of the world, for us, for me.

To say that I'm grateful is an understatement.

As I think on Jesus' death on my behalf on this Good Friday the question comes to me about how Jesus' death on the cross affects my life. With this question in mind, I wanted to share a prayer that I came across:

"Jesus, you were taken prisoner in the darkness of night and all your friends abandoned you. Be with all who are abducted and strengthen all who mourn those who are missing. You were crowned with thorns and beaten by soldiers. Help us to end torture throughout the world and have pity on those so afflicted. Your face was covered with spittle and you wore a robe of shame. Heal the wounds that make us act less than human and remind us that we are made in the image of God. You accepted the help of Simon and Veronica. And awaken us to the ways that we can help those who are suffering and be grateful to those who minister to us. Amen."