That Friday Feeling

Fanny Cradock

I was down at the local Tesco Express (a company I reluctantly give my business to) and the security guard at the door bid me farewell with a cheery "Happy Easter". Given that I'm currently in Peckham, a predominately Afro-Caribbean area of London, I suspect that he is a Christian.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the mindset we, as Christians, should enter into over the Easter period. Do we attempt to forget the end of the story and instead think of this day and the time leading up to the resurrection with sadness, even to the point of attempting to imagine the fear and crushing disappointment ("we backed the wrong horse") that the friends and family of Jesus mus have felt? Or do we see Easter (that is to say the crucifixion and not just the Sunday) as one great celebration of a final eschatological triumph for God and all creation?

So, in other words, is Friday a day of sadness or a day of Joy?

Soul Winner

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

I was down at the local Tesco Express (a company I reluctantly give my business to) and the security guard at the door bid me farewell with a cheery "Happy Easter". Given that I'm currently in Peckham, a predominately Afro-Caribbean area of London, I suspect that he is a Christian.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the mindset we, as Christians, should enter into over the Easter period. Do we attempt to forget the end of the story and instead think of this day and the time leading up to the resurrection with sadness, even to the point of attempting to imagine the fear and crushing disappointment ("we backed the wrong horse") that the friends and family of Jesus mus have felt? Or do we see Easter (that is to say the crucifixion and not just the Sunday) as one great celebration of a final eschatological triumph for God and all creation?

So, in other words, is Friday a day of sadness or a day of Joy?

Christ conquered death, hell and the grave for us. That's cause for thanks, praise and much celebration every single time if you ask me.

rightyabe

But surely you know jesus didn't die on a Friday?

Soul Winner

rightyabe wrote: »

But surely you know jesus didn't die on a Friday?

That's beside the point and can be debated in another thread if you want to start one. I can go there with you...

rightyabe

Soul Winner wrote: »

That's beside the point and can be debated in another thread if you want to start one. I can go there with you...

Dont think so, try telling that to the throngs of people going to mass today "cause jesus died on good friday"

Soul Winner

rightyabe wrote: »

Dont think so, try telling that to the throngs of people going to mass today "cause jesus died on good friday"

I mean its beside the point for the spirit of this thread...

PDN

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

I was down at the local Tesco Express (a company I reluctantly give my business to) and the security guard at the door bid me farewell with a cheery "Happy Easter". Given that I'm currently in Peckham, a predominately Afro-Caribbean area of London, I suspect that he is a Christian.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the mindset we, as Christians, should enter into over the Easter period. Do we attempt to forget the end of the story and instead think of this day and the time leading up to the resurrection with sadness, even to the point of attempting to imagine the fear and crushing disappointment ("we backed the wrong horse") that the friends and family of Jesus mus have felt? Or do we see Easter (that is to say the crucifixion and not just the Sunday) as one great celebration of a final eschatological triumph for God and all creation?

So, in other words, is Friday a day of sadness or a day of Joy?

It's Good Friday, not Bad Friday! A time to celebrate the event that made possible our salvation.

Fanny Cradock

rightyabe wrote: »

Dont think so, try telling that to the throngs of people going to mass today "cause jesus died on good friday"

Stay on topic please.

Fanny Cradock

Soul Winner wrote: »

Christ conquered death, hell and the grave for us. That's cause for thanks, praise and much celebration every single time if you ask me.

PDN wrote: »

It's Good Friday, not Bad Friday! A time to celebrate the event that made possible our salvation.

Well said.

Donatello

It's a good opportunity to consider the cost of our salvation, and the wretchedness of our own sins.

I think we do need to reflect on these two elements, especially in these times of hedonism and laxity among those who call themselves Christians.

Seaneh

I guess it all depends on why you think Christ died.

See, most people think he died so we could live.
I think that is completely flawed.

HE died so that we could die.

So today, of all days, we should be reflecting on what we need to die of so that we can fully live in Christ.

I believe he died so we could die to the world, sin, everything that separates us from God's love and will for our lives.

I believe he was resurrected so that we could live. The resurrection is what allows us to be born again.
Sunday, when he was raised, is the time to celebrate.

In my opinion, anyway.

Onesimus

It is a sorrowful day indeed. But the sorrow does not have its root in human grief as us humans would understand it. it is a deep compassionate sorrow mingled with joy. Nobody likes to rejoice at seeing their loved one being scourged and nailed to a cross. This is why Our Mother who is closest to Christ wept at the foot of the cross along with many. They didnt dance around for joy.

Onesimus.

hinault

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

So, in other words, is Friday a day of sadness or a day of Joy?

Maybe it is me, but I don't like Good Friday.
Wherever I have been on Good Friday the weather seems to be very changeable between noon and 18.00hrs.
Good Friday is a day when even nature recognises that something terrible happened.

This year like most years I attend the Good Friday service at St Johns Lane church where there is a re-enactment of the Passion.
I know that what Jesus went through had to be done to re-establish the Covenant but even seeing what happened being re-enacted leaves my soul feeling heavy I have to say.

But Easter Sunday:) That is a different story!