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ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
– Collect from the Book of Common Worship
REFLECTION
The image above is the album cover for rock-rap band P.O.D.’s latest release, Murdered Love. Many people do not realize that P.O.D. is actually a Christian based rock-rap band. The title, Murdered Love, is in reference to the Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. This image is a modern depiction of Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture.
This years Good Friday was quite busy, yet rewarding. I participated in the Seven Last Words with the Vicar of my parish, and the Pastor of the Baptist church that we share the facility with. It was a long three hours of service, but nevertheless it was great to spend the day “they murdered love” with believers. At the end of the service, there were very few dry eyes.
On Tuesday, 26 MARCH 2013, I participated in the Seven Last Words at a local seminary. It was about 1.5 hours long, and completely full of sermons. It was very interesting to see the different approaches to the respected phrases of Jesus. The clergy that participated was quite diverse; 3 Baptists, 2 United Church of Christ, 1 Methodist, and I, the
Anglican.
Overall, it was a blessed Good Friday. The spirit of Christ spoke to me throughout the preparation and execution of both services. As I prepare to participate in the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, I pray that the Holy Spirit falls on you all
throughout this evening, and the Easter Morning.
– JMH+
The Rev'd James M. Hairston 