The overcast layer of different shades of gray fits my mood on this day. I want it to be dark and gloomy every year on Good Friday. I appreciate how the somber ambiance enriches my personal experience. It's as if History transcends Time and thousands of years later we all can "feel" this day of death. This day that fulfilled the promise. This day of ultimate Triumph.
I wonder what the people who were in the temple thought when the curtain rent in two as Jesus breathed his last. Startled? Scared? Annoyed?
I think of all the people who almost a week ago lined the streets as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding the donkey. Shouting "Hosanna!! Hosanna!! (which means "save us") and waving their palm branches. Where were they today? The man they wanted to conquer the Romans....didn't. The man they wanted to arrive as a king....didn't. Were they going about the daily lives ignoring this teacher who disappointed them? Paying no attention because he hadn't lived up to their expectations? Completely forgetting about him. He wasn't worth their time. Were they now standing along his route to Golgotha throwing stones at his stooped and bloodied body? Calling him names? Spitting on him? Or were they gathered along the way bearing public witness for this savior? Were they crying? Did they believe in all that he stood for? All he had taught?
My heart is full. My soul rejoices at the one act that saved the world for eternity. My mind is awed how the child grew up to follow his father's plan and became the symbol for the purest form of love and grace ever shared with all mankind.
Not "Hosanna".... but "Hallelujah".
