Friday, April 6, 2007

Good Friday

The name Good Friday always confused me as a child. The word “good” is attributed to this day in the Christian calendar to connote the paradox and wonder of the day. The prelude is a dinner celebration that ends with the lesson that leads the followers to become humble servants. Jesus of Nazareth tells his friends "If I, your lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." The stage is set for grueling hours of loneliness, abandonment by friends and family, incredible pain and suffering at the hands of others and finally death. This downward spiraling grief then, miraculously leads to new life and fulfillment. That which was bad becomes good. That which is filled with regret and bewilderment with no chance for redemption is transformed from darkness to light.

This story should ring so true for recovering people. The metaphors that point to "pairs of opposites" in our own lives are unmistakable. Our celebration somehow ended up in all of the loneliness, and torture that anyone can imagine. We actually died a kind of death to ourselves and to those who loved us. Then, by some unseen hand, we are lifted from our tombs and raised to a new life. Recovery is a miracle. Today is a perfect opportunity for reflection and re-dedication. Our lives have been restored.

How can we become the humble servants who bring light and comfort to those who still suffer? This, after all, is the meaning and pupose of life.