During the next few days I will be sharing stories about the Triduum from my childhood. Refer to my post "Celebrate at Home!" for family activities during these holy days.
Today on Good Friday we commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. But what is so good about the man whom we call our Saviour being nailed to a cross in a humiliating death? I won't answer this question because we know how the story ends.
Growing up in The Bahamas, these holy days brought with them deep moments of prayer but also many unique cultural aspects. As a family we would share breakfast together on Good Friday. My grandmother would get up very early to prepare 'Stew Fish" a favourite Bahamian cuisine of mine. We would then get ready for church. It is a custom in The Bahamas to wear black or dark colours for church on Good Friday because it is considered a day of mourning in our culture. After the lengthy liturgy of Good Friday we would always have family over for a late lunch consisting of fried fish and delicious hot cross buns. Normally we would have my whole family around at our house enjoying in a meal together and the day off from school and work.
Though in many traditions this day is more somber than our festive approach in The Bahamas, those moments at home still stick with me today. The death of a loved one tends to bring people together to celebrate their life and remember the many memories they have had with that person. Good Friday does this for my family. We celebrate the crucifixion and death of Jesus at church and then come together at home to fellowship around our table. This sign of fellowship gave hope to the expectant joy of Easter that was to come.
On this Good Friday, even though we commemorate something that is sad and horrible, let us rejoice in what is to come as the story does not end here. As:
he (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5
My prayers are with you during these holy days.
in peace,
Rámond