Good Friday is celebrated by all Christians who recall Jesus' suffering and death. We assemble together as if we are at wake services. The theme of pain and suffering is highlighted today in many sermons across the world.
An image of 16th century Teresa of Avila, one of my favorite saints, side by side with this incredible photo of a tree hoisted in the snow, stir my imagination on the cross. Christians present their savior's death to a frightened and darkened world. Suffering and love do not sound identical; yet, they may be the same in different situations. When love is returned; it is happiness; when love is rejected; it is suffering. But it still remains love. For Christians, Jesus on the cross is doing only what he has always been doing: loving us. He follows the depth of that love by dying for his friends. Perhaps this love does not make sense? When I fumble to understand; I pray these words of Teresa. They challenge my sense of purpose and patience. I like them in Spanish:
"Nada te turbe. Nadie te espante. Todo se pasa, Dios no se muda.
La paciencia, todo lo alcanza. Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta ...
solo Dios basta."
["Let nothing disturb you; let nothing dismay you. All things pass. God never changes, patience attains ... all that it strives for ... who has God, lacks for nothing. God alone suffices."]
Don Ronaldo on 'Good Friday'.
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