In the midst of all of the Russian collusion hoax intrigue, remembering that this is a sacred day in the Christian calendar can be difficult. After all, the only major institution of commerce to suspend activity in observance is the New York Stock Exchange. For all intents and purposes, life in America just goes on today.
But, today is sacred. From the Passion According to St. John:
[16] Then therefore he delivered him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him forth. [17] And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha. [18] Where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, and Jesus in the midst. [19] And Pilate wrote a title also, and he put it upon the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. [20] This title therefore many of the Jews did read: because the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin.
[21] Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. [22] Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written. [23] The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified him, took his garments, (and they made four parts, to every soldier a part,) and also his coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. [24] They said then one to another: Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shall be; that the scripture might be fulfilled, saying: They have parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture they have cast lots. And the soldiers indeed did these things. [25] Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen.
[26] When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. [27] After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. [28] Afterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst. [29] Now there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar and hyssop, put it to his mouth. [30] Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost.
Here is the Savior of the World abandoned by His known followers in His hour of need. Only His Mother, and the beloved Apostle and two other women, who were considered little more than children in that time, remained.
The hour of Divine Mercy, when Christ surrendered His spirit is 3pm. It is the one time of the year reverence actually enters choir lofts all over the world. (Otherwise, we’re out of sight. Not everyone is paying attention.) The Passion According to St. John will be read.
And remembering the women, there is a 13th century chant for Good Friday (and Stations of the Cross) known as the Stabat Mater. It is a song of Mary as she stood by the cross watching her Son die. Over the centuries the text has been put to various settings. Arguably, one of the most glorious was composed by Gioachino Rossini. I’ve had the honor of singing in the chorus for it twice. My favorite movement #9 is the Quando Corpus Morietur.
While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
Safe in Paradise with Thee.
And one more, the Finale of Theodore Dubois’s Seven Last Words of Christ.
Tomorrow…well, it’s another day.
So happy and honored to have an expert like you, Dep, in our midst.
Makes us all better.
Happy Easter!
Stabat Mater – always brings the prophesy of old Simeon to mind.
25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (New Living Translation)
The Nunc Dimitis, part of Vespers. When this comes up after Christmas every year, I really wish my choir had one to sing.
The sign on the Cross read, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
And it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. (John19:19-20). Mark 15:26 abbreviated the words to those used by all three: “The King of the Jews” Luke 23:38 would have used the Greek: “This is the King of the Jews” Matthew 27:37 would have used the Hebrew: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” John 19:19 would have used the Latin: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”
Hebrew – the language of the Jewish religion – symbolizing the fallen religious system – the Jews had killed all their prophets, before GOD sent his only Son – and they killed Him too.
Greek – the language of the underlying, still pervasive the Greek culture and rather decadent (to puritan tastes) values – symbolizing the effects of the fall upon human flesh.
Latin – the language of the conquering and ruling civil government – symbolizing the effects of fallen human nature upon civil government, practices, even thoughts/speech of the people of Israel.
Three languages symbolizing the triune nature of man – spirit, mind and body. These three languages would be used in writing the Bible, expressing and spreading the Gospel and are still used in worship today.
Beautiful DP!! and lovely addition GA! Wanted to wish everyone a blessed and HOLY GOOD FRIDAY! What Jesus did for us today is so incomprehensible- unless seen through the eyes of faith..and heard through the beautiful music you generously posted! Thank you sweet DP!! Hugs and blessings!
It’s supposedly in Ethiopia and has been there for thousands of years. Of course, the priests at the site won’t let people in to see it.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ethiopia/axum-ark-of-covenant
At some point, the Ark disappeared from Jerusalem. The mystery of what became of such an important and sacred artifact continues to fascinate archaeologists, historians and believers alike. There are no shortage of theories as to its fate and current location, which include a Jerusalem tunnel and the top of Mt. Nebo in Jordan.
To Ethiopian Christians and Jews, the location of the Ark of the Covenant is no mystery. According to the Ethiopian royal chronicles, the Ark left Jerusalem much earlier than generally thought – in the days of King Solomon – and went to Ethiopia by the hand of Menelik, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. (The Bible tells of a meeting between the monarchs (1 Kings 10), but not a marriage or Prince Menelik.)
The Ark was then kept safe in Ethiopia over the millenia, carefully hidden during wars, and today it is enshrined in a special treasury next to the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum, Ethiopia.
Glory, power, and highest honor forever to the King of all kings, the Light of the World, the Living Word…Jesus…the son of God.
Thank you, Lord, for your love for us. We remember you and this day with the greatest fear and awe. Nothing in existence was or is more bittersweet than the sacrifice you made so that we may dwell with you in your kingdom to come.
How impossibly great thou truly art. Savior, Redeemer, King!!
AMEN!!!
Amen, FG&C!!! Happy Good Friday!!!
“After all, the only major institution of commerce to suspend activity in observance is the New York Stock Exchange. For all intents and purposes, life in America just goes on today.”
Sad, isn’t it? We are supposedly the most Christian nation in the world. How far we have fallen. I grew up in a very small town of about 4,000 people that was filled with churches. There was one intersection with a church on all 4 corners. Almost everyone went to church in those days not so long ago. And now the churches are empty. The church I go to now in a mid sized city has fewer members than that church I grew up in. Europe is full of empty churches, some of them being turned into mosques. I’m so sad that on this major holiday for our faith that so few people in America even realize what day it is.
We’re pretty packed on a regular basis. But this part of town is densely populated.
It’s hard to really press Christianity as a lifestyle when the over all culture doesn’t value worship, that’s for sure.
Lord, I have no concept of why you would make me worthy of the Kingdom. But I sure am grateful, beyond any ability I have to accurately express it.
Praise to the Father, from whom all good things flow.
In my internet roving today, I discovered that a group of people have spent 15 minutes daily praying for our Nation over the last 70 consecutive days.
Dutch Sheets has been calling people to prayer for America for many, many years now. Respect.
This is the last day. Would you join with me in agreeing in prayer?
http://gh15database.com/2019/04/april-19-2019/
April 19, 2019 12:00 am. by DutchSheets
70 Days – Righteousness Exalts a Nation – Final Day 70
GiveHim15 has been collaborating with Love Ministries in a very special 70-day prayer focus. We have been taking a stand for righteousness in the United States of America from February 9th through Passover, April 19th. Today is the 70th day.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34; NASB)
REBUILDING THE WALL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
IN OUR NATION, STATES, AND TERRITORIES
Today, we celebrate Passover and the culmination and convergence of the 70 Day Decree. This is also the anniversary of the “shot heard around the world” that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. We believe that the Lord has heard our decree and has released His revolutionary Spirit to bring revival, awakening, reformation, and transformation to America and the world!
“And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Revelation 5:9-14; NIV)
There have been so many manifestations of righteousness that have occurred in our lives and in our nation during these 70 Days. Here is a recap of a few…
An outcry for life has risen out of the land. “The Lord said, ‘The 70 Days is His Heartbeat Bill released in the earth.” (Danette Riley) The heartbeat of heaven is being released in the earth. During the 70 days, Kentucky, Ohio, and Mississippi have adopted and passed heartbeat bills, while the Georgia heartbeat bill is awaiting the expected signature of Governor Brian Kemp. Meanwhile, “heartbeat bills” have passed one of the chambers of legislature in Missouri and Tennessee and have been introduced in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia…others are following! Ultrasound images have been put on billboards around the nation, including one in Times Square. The voice of righteousness has risen on behalf of the unborn. The Remnant has risen.
On March 27, 2019, President Donald J. Trump, recognized The Golan Heights as belonging to Israel. Our President and Vice President came out with strong proclamation of our support and friendship with Israel.
Our President was exonerated with the conclusion of the Mueller investigation.
Thanks be to God, for great things He has done!
Give Him 15 minutes of prayer:
Decree the Scriptures above over our nation.
Praise the Lord for all that He has done.
Declare, “Righteousness exalts a nation!”
Worship Him, for He has done marvelous things, and He is worthy to be praised!
A prayer you can pray:
Father, righteousness exalts a nation! Thank you for the opportunity that you have given us during these 70 Days. We believe and receive the mighty manifestations of the promises that you have given us. Lord, You have done exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask for or imagine, awesome things! You have come down and released your verdicts of righteousness into our nation. The mountains of this nation are trembling before you. Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You have come to the help your people. Thank you for tipping the prayer bowls of this nation. We give you all the praise.
Thank You for raising up righteousness in the land. You are my Josephs, Daniels, Esthers, and Josiahs. Your worship has been plowing and my Josiahs are rising to bring reformation in your land! Josiah reformers! Josiah company! Josiah generation! Josiah anointing! “Once again, I will see the Blood Covenant–and hear the cry of a righteous remnant in the land. Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the grave will not stand in this nation (Isaiah 28:18). The sin of a nation has reached its fullness; but the bowls of the prayer movements have reached their fullness (Revelation 5:8 & 8:3). I will see and hear the outcry of my people and tip your prayer bowls, America! Revival… Awakening… and Reformation will come again to this nation.” (Betty Love, 70 Day Decree Vision, 1/31/2019)
“Lord, you are our true strength and our glory-song, our champion, our Savior!
The joyful songs we now sing will be sung again in the hearts and homes of all your lovers. Our loud shouts of victory echo throughout the land. For Yahweh’s right hand conquers valiantly! The right hand of Yahweh exalts! The right hand of Yahweh will never fail.” (Psalm 118:14-16; TPT)
We praise You for every prayer, declaration and verdict that has been released in righteousness during these 70 days. Hear Lord! Here Lord! On earth as it is in heaven, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be! In Jesus’ Name, amen!
Thy will be done. Amen.
Oh My T3!! I certainly enjoined the prayers above!!! So many miracles in so little time!!! There truly IS a healing, revival, awakening and reformation in America!!! It’s in it’s early stages–Buts those who have eyes are seeing it; those who have ears are hearing it; and those who have faith are feeling it!!!
My little healing story today. My 28 yr old son who married in August of last year –NOT in the Catholic Church–(much to mama’s chagrin) Got divorced last month–(it was a blessing as she was a MESS)..Went with me to our special Good Friday Church downtown–as we have since he was 8 years old. He wasn’t sure he wanted to STAY Catholic as he was going to a MEGA Christian Church and he really liked the fellowship.( I get it..and it’s HIS journey..so I didn’t push it) The services are ALL day with Stations of the Cross, Veneration of the cross, Confession and The Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He texted me this morning and asked when I was going..I said in about an hour…SO he came by and picked me up. Said He wanted to go to confession and lets do an examination of conscious on our way to the church…(WHAT?) Sure!! I pulled up a Catholic APP on my phone and read all the questions and we laughed and talked –Yup I did that.. Yup ! Yup! anyway.. It was an honest recollection of our failings and healthy understanding of who we are…We had to stand in line for at least 45 minutes in the confessional line…But HE WENT!!! and now is back in good standing and He’s WHOLE again!! And I”M WHOLE AGAIN!! And As I came out of the confessional (I had lots of words for the Church Hierarchy-from POPE to priests and lack of leadership on LIFE issues) (Is it a sin to fuss at Priests in a confessional?) Dang…Anyway– Did my Penance and They began the CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY!!!
GOD IS SO GOOD!!! The Great Awakening is WW!! and it’s also in my humble home….🤗
I rejoice with you that your son wants to be right with GOD and start anew in Christ. What a wonderful blessing! It has to bring you closer. I know he respects and loves you so much!
Thank you Sweet Ga girl!!! It been a rough year and a difficult Lent…But between my mommas good health (after the scare) my daughters new life (baby) and my son’s return to the CHURCH…I could NOT be more astonished by God’s generous Grace and gifts to me…Just think what he is gifting to ALL America and ALL the World!!! WOW!!!
You bless the Lord with your gratitude and lovingkindness!
All good news Marica. Thanks for sharing!
In my study Bible, it notes that those to be crucified usually had relatives to help them carry their cross to the site of their crucifixion. Jesus was denied even that and the soldiers had to pull Simon of Cyrene from the crowd to help Jesus. 😥
Well, we didn’t get to the Adoramus te Christe this afternoon. Monsignor got a second Crucifix and the Church finished Veneration in half the time.
It’s all good, though.