Friday's Faith

There are days which bring such tragedy and sadness that not even the strongest are able to stand.  The one who has no knowledge of what it is to have their spiritual foundation shaken to the core is the one who has not lived in the world most of us walk each day.  Imagine for a moment the sense of loss felt by Mary, the mother of Jesus, on that day when her son was nailed to a cross as a public spectacle.  Of all the people who knew and understood the heart of Jesus, Mary knew.  She knew His gentle spirit.  She knew His compassionate heart.  She knew the kindness and love that dwelt within Him.    

The day we talk about so glibly as Good Friday was an unthinkable day for her.  It was a day filled with the coming of her worst nightmare.  As we consider her loss that day and begin to look around us, we see those who wander about with the sadness and grief that is so akin to what we are able to see in the heart of this holy woman. Sometimes these sufferers stand out because their inner darkness is so great.  Sometimes all we can really do is offer our prayers.  We want to do more, but more is not anything which brings any consolation.    

And, finally, as we consider Mary on that day, we must also consider the heart of the Father on that dark day in human history.  Even though God the Father knew how the story of the cross was going to end,  His heart must have surely been broken as He saw the pain required of His Son on that day.  To those who suffer the unthinkable loss and tragedy, we do offer our prayers.  We know naught else to do.  And, as we pray, we pray hopeful that the One who knows the story that continues on the other side of the terrible darkness being endured will so make Himself known to sufferers so deeply troubled that they will not only get through what is around them, but will do so with an enduring and confident faith.