This morning’s theme is suffering.
In faith we dare to believe that God is with in all we must live and endure. This is often difficult to do, however, when we think about suffering. So many feeling arise: despair, grief, disbelief, anger. What does God have in mind when he “lets” us suffer? Does he not care? These questions are difficult to answer.
On Good Friday, Jesus suffered in a very human way. He, too, asked: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It was a human question. This can comfort and soothe many wounds within us.
In the ecumenical community of Taizé, Jesus’ crucifixion is remembered every Friday evening. At that time, the monks place a large Franciscan cross at the front of the church as a call to prayer. Persons of all colors, creeds and even faiths wait long and patiently in line to pray, then placing their foreheads directly upon the wood. Sometimes there are many tears. It is not only moving to watch this, it is even more moving to do it oneself, sensing the great compassion of the Crucified One.
Perhaps today, Friday, we might pause to take a moment to remember God not only with our suffering, but in it as well. If it is helpful and meaningful, we may light a candle or place a small icon or cross nearby as we pray.
God of Life
How many questions we have! And how silent you often are!
There is so much that is difficult to understand about our lives.
Today, if it is not yet timely for us to understand, help us in this:
to feel that you are near. Amen.
“…a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3)
