Thoughts for Good Friday

Today, the Christian world commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.  As Mormons, we don’t have much of a Good Friday tradition, but I like to think about it when it comes around.  It’s a lovely reminder of what is most important.

The blood spilled in Gethsemane reminds me of the sorrow of this world.  May I remember the holy purpose of suffering.  May I swallow my own Bitter Cup.  May I remember that the trials and turmoil of mortality make me more fit for the Kingdom of God.

The betrayal in the Garden reminds me of my own temptations to sell the Master for recognition or anger or jealousy or greed.  May Christ be the only  God I worship.  May I be ever loyal to Him.

The humiliation of the Cross reminds me of the price of sin.  He was lifted up as a symbol of the pain we inflict on each other.  He was lifted up to remind us that when we hurt, so does He.  He was lifted up to draw us unto Him.  May I heed His invitation.  May I kneel at the foot of the Cross.

The burial in the Tomb reminds me that all that is corrupt must vanish. May I bury my own Natural Man.  May I lay it to rest with Him.

Good Friday is the furnace of the Lord’s affliction.  It is a reminder that we all must walk through sorrow on our way to Resurrection Morning.

LDS Christmas Talk: Behold, the Condescension of God

I gave a talk at our ward Christmas party this evening, which I called “Behold, the Condescension of God.”  Thought I’d share it here…

On Mourning

For R, M, and D

I recently studied The Beatitudes in a class I’m taking on the life of Christ.   I think they’re the most beautiful expressions of how to really live that I’ve ever heard — and one in particular struck me this time through:

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Jesus always surprises me.  On face value, His teachings never make much sense, for He operates in a world of paradox and parables.  Blessed are they that mourn?  What’s so great about mourning?  Surely Jesus isn’t suggesting some sort of masochistic approach to life, that when we’re hurting, we’re happy…is He?