The next day the world was quiet. Originally, I did not want to post today, but then I got to thinking…
The world was quiet, but I imagine the minds and hearts of the disciples and those who were close to or followed Jesus were not.
Their hearts were broken, recalling the events of that terrible day. While they had heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection, their hearts still hurt, their minds couldn’t fathom and life seemed to keep going as one whom they loved dearly was gone.
And in trying to wrap their minds around Friday’s events, they may have recalled the events, hour by hour, moment by moment, hoping and praying that their faith outweighs their sorrow.
So today, I’m remembering our journey down the Via Dolorosa in October.
We began at the Antonia Fortress, descending down into a large cistern. Below was the Struthion Pool and Hadrian Plaza.
On the flagstones of the plaza are markings from games soldiers played, reminding us of the torture Christ endured at the hands of the Soldiers.
At the far end of the plaza is a striated part of the pavement, which marked the course of one of the main streets of Roman Jerusalem.
We then made our way down the Via Dolorosa, stopping at several of the stations along the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is home to the last 5 stations of the cross.
During our time in Jerusalem, I was able to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre three times, each time just as busy as the last. It is beautiful, with many rooms and mosaics.
You can ascend up to the rock of Golgotha to see where it is believed Jesus was crucified, you can descend down to where the cross was said to be found. You can kneel and pray at the Stone of Unction where it was said Jesus was prepared for burial. You can enter the tomb where Christ was said to be buried.
With the masses, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre feels like a whirlwind, with many directions to go and lots of things happening around you. It seems very fitting for the last moments of Christ’s life – conveying the whirlwind of emotions that the people must have felt, conveying the moments leading to Christ’s death.
It’s very dimly lit, capturing the mood of the earth as it was dark for three hours as Christ was crucified.
Years ago, I heard a song by Tree63 that has been forever stuck in my head. It’s an upbeat song that seems very unusual to listen to on a Good Friday, but the message is a beautiful reminder that Sunday is coming! When we feel like we are in the darkness and sorrow of Friday, we have to have faith and hope in knowing that Sunday is coming.
If you are looking for somewhere online where you can celebrate the resurrection tomorrow, join us at COR.org at 7:30, 9:15, 11 or 5pm (all in CST). We would love to have you join us! We’ve saved the best seat in the house for you!
Abbey Jo
Adventures with Abbey Jo 
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