The Wordsmith's Page
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featuring the writings of Virginia Tolles
Commemorating Holy Days
Easter Sunday
Resurrection Sunday
On the Sunday following Jesus’ crucifixion, three ladies went to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid to rest. They had planned to prepare his body with spices, as was the custom. As they approached the tomb, they saw that the stone covering the opening to the tomb had been rolled aside, and as they entered the tomb, they found that Jesus’ body was not there, only the cloth in which it had been wrapped following his death. Two men, presumably angels, appeared to the frightened women and explained that Jesus had arisen – been resurrected from the dead – as had been prophesied in the Old Testament (Luke 24:1-8).
The resurrection of Jesus symbolizes Jesus’ victory over death and, for us, victory over spiritual death as wrought by sin. It represents new beginnings in our spiritual growth and new hope that we may spend all of eternity with Our Dear Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluja.”*
* From the hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today by Charles Wesley
Photo Credit: Jonny Gios / Unsplash
Good Friday
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I’ve long wondered what about this Friday would result in its being called “Good.” All I could come up with was the fact that Jesus died for our sins on that day. That is good, indeed! Yet, a little research told me that “good” can also mean “holy.” So, we are, in fact, commemorating Holy Friday.
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When Governor Pontius Pilate, King Herod, and the Sanhedrin (judges) interrogated him, Jesus refused to answer their questions. Even when asked if he was the Son of God, Jesus said only, “You have said so” (Matthew 27:11). Pontius Pilate would have been content to whip Jesus and release him, but he gave into the will of the people, who were threatening to riot, and handed him over for crucifixion.
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If Governor Pontius Pilate, King Herod, the Sanhedrin, and the riotous crowd needed proof that Jesus was the Son of God, they received it upon his death. The scriptures tell it best:
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“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost [died]. And,
behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain [torn] from the top to the bottom;
and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent [split]; and the graves were opened; and
many bodies of the saints which slept arose and came out of the graves after his resur-
rection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centur-
ion [military captain] and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake,
and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son
of God!’” -- Matthew 27: 50-54 (KJV)
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Yes, it was, indeed, a good and holy Friday, albeit sad and heart-wrenching day.
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Photo Credit: Geralt / Pixabay
Maundy Thursday
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I'm going to throw it all the way back to the first Maundy Thursday, the day before Jesus was crucified. I've long wondered just what the word "maundy" means. This morning, I finally looked it up. It derives from the Latin word "mandatum" and translates in English to "mandate" or "commandment."
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At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34 KJV)
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He illustrated his love for his disciples by washing their feet, a most lowly task. Of course, his greatest illustration of his love was in dying for our sins. But that's for tomorrow, Good Friday.
Be well, be happy, be safe. Keep the faith! Keep the peace!
Photo Credit: GiniGeo Photography / Pixabay
Originally posted on Facebook for Throwback Thursday