They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
˜ John 19:40-42
In our Community, we do not eat meat on Fridays or Wednesdays because Jesus was betrayed by Judas on a Wednesday, then was crucified on Friday. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are even stricter days of fasting in which we only eat plain bread, plain yogurt, some fruit and cheese. We also begin a deep silence, or Greater Silence, after the Maundy Thursday service until Easter morning. On Good Friday, we walk the outdoor Stations of the Cross with visitors, and we spend the entire day either worshiping in the chapel or in private meditation.
This combination of fasting and silence adds a profound depth to our experience of Jesus' crucifixion. We usually have several guests staying with us during Holy Week, and even though we are in silence, our connections are strengthened. We all suffer together through the long, solemn hours of the day as we pray Lauds, Terce, the Good Friday Liturgy, Vespers and Compline together. At 3 p.m. on Good Friday, the house bell tolls 33 times for each year of Jesus' life.
I often marvel at the fact that I used to avoid the services of Holy Week. Now, I embrace them. When I was younger, I couldn't bear to think of Jesus' suffering and death, but I have learned that walking through grief increases my gratitude for life and redemption.
Our eldest Sister is 89 years old, and she observes every fast and custom on Good Friday along with the rest of us. Whenever I get hungry and tired, I tell myself that if she can do it, so can I. It is all for Jesus.
Reflect: Which parts of the Holy Week observances deepen your experience? Are there any you would rather avoid?
This Lenten Meditation can be found at Episcopal Relief and Development