Spade

There are some times when we just have to call a spade a spade. And it seems to me that Good Friday must be one of those days. Friday is the darkest day in Holy Week. On this day we hear the sounds of the hammer, the cries of the anguished women at the foot of the cross, the traditional “last words” before the silence. We hear the silence most of all. We wait…

I wrote earlier in the week about our most human desire to move quickly over the hard moments in this season; we’re perhaps in too big a hurry to leave the dark thoughts of the crucifixion to gather Easter eggs on the lawn. We’re glad our church’s crosses are empty, preferring to focus our thoughts and our theology on the empty cross, the empty tomb and think on the resurrection.

But there are times when we must call a spade a spade.

President Veazey has called us, yet again, to get serious about mission. We’re feeling good about many ways we’ve already been responding. We’re rightly pleased to hear stories of new life and new energy. New leaders are emerging. Good stuff is happening!

But one very big piece of that call to mission is a call to recognize a spade for a spade. “Abolish poverty and end suffering.” There it is, right there in the number two position. On Good Friday we have to look at the nails and the thorns and the suffering. Because they are real.

They are still real. There is much suffering in this world of ours. Jesus’ cross was not alone on that hill. He was not the only innocent who’d been taken by the powers of oppression and injustice. There are still others who still suffer. “Abolish poverty and end suffering.”

On this Good Friday let’s call a spade a spade. The suffering continues. Where is it in your neighbourhood? Which of your neighbours, right there in a pew beside you, needs you to see them and hear them and leave your Easter basket for another morning?

And if, on this Good Friday morning, you are the one who is suffering, I invite you to come into one of our communities where someone is trying hard to notice you and help you find comfort and nurture and lead you to your own resurrection morning.

“Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened. Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.” Doctrine & Covenants 163:10