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April 14, 2014
Several years ago, I read a piece written by Sister Mary Ada entitled “Good Friday.” I would like to share it with all of you as Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum is upon us. I read this often and find great hope and consolation in it:
“It is Good Friday. The pain-racked Body of the Savior has gasped its last. The Redemption has been accomplished, and the first to hear the joyous tidings are the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Law who patiently wait in limbo for the opening of heaven’s gates. Among them is St. Joseph. Is it not a scene that prompts meditation?
“The ancient greyness shifted suddenly and thinned like mist upon the moors before a wind. An old, old prophet lifted a shining face and said: ‘He will be coming soon. The Son of God is dead; He died this afternoon.’
“A murmurous excitement stirred all souls. They wondered if they dreamed – save one old man who seemed not even to have heard. And Moses, standing, hushed them all to ask if any had a welcome song prepared. If not, would David take the task? And if they cared could not the three young children sing the Benedicite, the canticle of praise they made when God kept them from perishing in the fiery blaze?
“A breath of spring surprised them, stilling Moses’ words. No one could speak, remembering the first fresh flowers, the little singing birds. Still others thought of fields new-ploughed or apple trees all blossom-boughed. Or some, the way a dried bed fills with water laughing down green hills. The fisher folk dreamed of the foam on bright blue seas. The one old man who had not stirred remembered home. And there He was, splendid as the morning sun and fair as only God is fair. And they, confused with joy, knelt to adore, seeing that He wore five crimson stars He never had before.
“No canticle at all was sung. None toned a psalm, or raised a greeting song. A silent man alone of all that throng found tongue – not any other.
“Close to His Heart when the embrace was done, Old Joseph said, ‘How is Your Mother, how is Your Mother, Son?’”
May the final days of your Lent bring you closer to Him Who loves you with an infinite love. May you and yours have a most Blessed Easter and Easter season!
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