Good Friday
Reflection for Good Friday 2020
I wonder where were you Good Friday morning 2019?
What are your traditions for this most Holy of Days?
This time last year Bruce and I had spent Thursday evening partaking in the Vigil in the chapel at the Church of the Holy Spirit and on Good Friday we joined with St Margaret Mary’s Catholic church in a Walk of Witness following the Stations of the Cross around Dovecot.
As I recall it was a beautiful spring day, much like today. But the world today is Oh so different.
Today I have listened and meditated using the excellent reflections from Bishop Bev on You tube
1) https://youtu.be/ug43vNL98cI
2) https://youtu.be/w3k75BBWBXk
3) https://youtu.be/K3Nun2L-yt8
and I have prayed.
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As we stand at the foot of the cross in this new place, I am reminded of the eternal unchanging nature of God and the words to the hymn “Immortal Invisible God only wise”
To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
Wherever you find yourself today, whether on your own at home, or out playing your part in the essential work that society needs you to do, I hope and pray;
that you can meet with Jesus’ mother and disciples at the foot of the cross;
that in the midst of the desolation of our normal worship you may experience Christ with you as you carry your cross;
that you may experience His love and salvation and be able to place your anxiety and worries at the foot of His cross.
God’s peace be with you all.
Amen
Bruce last year took part in the walk of Witness, carrying the cross for part of the way; an experience new to him and very powerful. Today he finds himself back in the NHS, his first day at work having retired from working as a doctor well over a year ago. He is training in a football stadium to be sent to a “field hospital” in Manchester. A place where people who are recovering from Covid19 infection will be cared for; taking his place as part of the army of people who will help people fight this infection.
Liturgy for Good Friday
Opening Prayer
Almighty Father,
look with mercy on this your family
for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and given up into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross; who is alive and glorified with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid me Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ, my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood
See, from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and Sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Reading John 18:1-19:42
Closing Prayer
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.