A Story of Goodness

Written by: Jenny Arneson

Narrated by: Bill Anciaux

 

 “Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son.’”  --Mark 15:39

 

At the end of this Holy Week, we will remember the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday.  Each year it seems that I am asked by someone why we call a day of pain, death, and sorrow ‘Good?’  History tells us that it was not until the fourth century, some 400 years after the death of Jesus, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ.  At first it was called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek Church.  It was not until the sixth or seventh century that ‘Good Friday’ was adopted by the Roman Church.

 

History aside, Good Friday, while a stark reminder of Jesus being put to death, is also the reminder that God took the worst the world could do and made it Good…out of death, God will bring resurrection.  That is the ‘Good’ of Good Friday and the story of God’s goodness.  Friday can only be called ‘Good’ because of what happened on Easter.

 

At Easter, hope is resurrected and death does not have the last word.  In these days ahead, we will see Jesus as servant to all, and as the giver of the Bread of Life and Cup of Blessing.  We will see the disciple Peter betray Jesus, but find forgiveness; Mary Magdalene will weep outside the tomb, but will know comfort in hearing her name called; and Thomas will have his doubts shattered.

 

There are no shortcuts in this Holy Week to the joy of Easter, but in the midst of it all, may you know the goodness of God!

 

Gracious God, in the midst of sorrow, sadness and horrors that have been part of human existence and that are part of life in this world, may we hold to the story of your goodness that gives us hope and life in Jesus’ name.  Amen.