Good Friday (and Holy Week) Traditions

 

It's Good Friday.  For me that's the day that my Holy week traditions started.  As a little kid, it was all about listening to Jesus Christ Superstar, an album which my mother got one Easter.  (Turns out it was "highlights" from the original Broadway cast...it took me years to find out there was MORE music!  And say what you will there will never be a better Judas than Ben Vereen!)  When I got older it also meant watching Godspell (NY/NJ locals should know that it always aired in the afternoon on channel 9.)  At that time church wasn't my thing.  Sometimes I'd go; sometimes not.  So this music was my tie to Easter story.

But things changed (for the better in this case) and I became involved my church again.  (It's amazing what new leadership can do.)  As a young adult, holy week became something I actively participated in.  It wasn't Palm Sunday without palms (obviously) and a singing of "The Palms" (by Jean-Baptiste Faure).  (If you don't know it, here's a version that I deem "okay":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QfT-ZHgABA).  Then there was a solemn noon day service on Good Friday. Only one hymn was sung, "Were You There" and participants took turns reading sections of the story.  And of course Easter Sunday with "Jesus Christ Has Risen Today" being played by a small brass band.  (Usually some high school or college students.)

Over the years these traditions continued and expanded.  On Maundy Thursday (which I once mistook as Maudy Thursday), there was an evening service which included hand washing.  (Easier than feet washing.)   And when Covid shut us all down, there were "palms to go" and an online Good Friday service which followed the Stations of the Cross.

With my son now at college, he has his own traditions.  There's not enough time to come home, so instead he and his friends go into the city and participate in the Easter parade.  (He was BORN to be a part of it!) And I usually attend a quiet early morning service, which does not include music on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.  Then on the Monday of Holy Week when I am usually in NJ, I've started to attend a program in the evening called "Women at the Cross" It's a Lenten reflection on what some women of the bible might have said to Jesus as they stood at the foot of the cross and though it is the same every year (I think I've attended for 3 years if not more.), it is always very moving.

This year I've decided to expand my horizons. Last night I attended a Maundy Thursday service which included foot washing.  (Only one foot; as we were told, it's symbolic.)  It was out of my comfort zone, but gave me something to think about (as it should have) and a clean left foot. I was also asked to help usher, which really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but as it turned out I didn't have to.  (But I will be ready for next year now that I've observed the duties.)  Another "interesting" part of the service was the fire alarm going off during communion.  (This may have had something to do with the incense being burned.)  Who said church services were dull!

I TRIED to go to a Good Friday service.  Unfortunately it didn’t start on time (the previous service was running long) and ran longer than I am used to a Good Friday service did.  Also unfortunately it is quarter close for the company I work for.  While I was sitting in the pew, my phone was (silently) being blown up with emails.   I had to try to quietly walk out before the service was over.  Note to self:  if Good Friday falls during the quarter close crazy, no Good Friday service for you.  (Note:  taking time off during quarter close is discouraged.)  I know Jesus will forgive me, will those in attendance?  (Hey, at least I tried…)

The question remains what I will do on Sunday. I can't imagine not going to the early service, but I do want to hear the music.  So I just may go to the early service and stay for part of the later service just to get my favorite hymns in.  But how rude is it to leave before the sermon?  (Which I will have already heard?)  Or maybe I'll just attend the early service and sing on my way home?  

The one thing I DO know is that there is sparkling wine and chocolate waiting for me Easter Sunday.  And maybe I'll sit back and enjoy them while watching Jesus Christ Superstar (because I've already gotten my Godspell in.)  Which leaves me with yet another question:  do I watch the movie or do I watch the version that was recorded live with John Legend and Sara Barielles?  

Or maybe we’ll get lucky and instead of rain, we’ll have some warm sunshine which we can all enjoy.  Now that would be an Easter miracle.

No matter what you celebrate or observe, hold your traditions close, but don’t be afraid to change them when needed.  If it’s not meaningful, it’s not worth it.  At least that’s my point of view.

Have a wonderful weekend.