Good Friday is genuinely a confusing time emotionally. Imagine though for the moment that this was not the same kind of confusion Jesus' followers knew. They knew grief, anger, and for Peter self hatred probably. This was because they did not realize the possibility of what would happen on Sunday. They only knew that He was very much dead. The picture to the right is another station for prayer from the prayer garden Canaan in the Desert. It is a carving of His followers preparing His body for burial. For what they thought was the end.
However, for us it is confusing because we know both rejoicing and great sorrow. Rejoicing because we now know that through Christ's death and Resurrection that He has put an end to the reign of sin and death. Sorrow because it is our sin that put Him there. The poem below tries to capture this confusing emotional state. I believe that it projects a balance that we must have this day. For without both tears of grief and joy it truly would not be Good Friday!
Good Friday by Anonymous
O heart, be lifted up; O heart be gay,
Because the Light was lifted up today–
Was lifted on the Rood, but did not die,
To shine eternally for such as I.
O heart, rejoice with all your humble might
That God did kindle in the world this Light
Which stretching on the Cross could not prevent
From shining with continuous intent.
Why weep, O heart, this day? Why grieve you so?
If all the glory of the Light had lost its glow
Would the sun shine or earth put on her best—
Her flower-entangled and embroidered vest?
Look up, O heart; and then, O heart, kneel down
In humble adoration: give no crown
Nor golden diadem to your fair Lord,
But offer love and beauty by your word…
The everlasting fire of love, O heart,
Has blazed in you and it will not depart.
Wherefore, O heart, exult and praises sing:
Lift up your voice and make the echoes ring…
O heart, rise up: O heart be lifted high.
Rejoice; for Light was slain today, yet did not die.
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