tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480403878902135681.post7852784724929805245..comments2023-03-25T05:18:16.115-04:00Comments on What's The Good Word?: SufferingCanada East Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638819678834321636noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480403878902135681.post-11455407316907496812010-04-04T12:58:25.985-04:002010-04-04T12:58:25.985-04:00Your response reminds me of my visit to the Montre...Your response reminds me of my visit to the Montreal Haitian congregation the weekend after the earthquake. It might have felt incongruous to experience the celebration that was the tone of the worship that day. Like the Good Friday "celebration" you describe here, I think it was true in part because of the suffering they know. <br /><br />My contemplation is for those of us who too often forget or avoid our knowledge of real suffering. We're too ready to move on to what feels good. That was not what I experienced in Montreal, or, I think, what you found with the Kingdom Glory folk. <br /><br />You state that they also understand suffering. And they understand that God is with them in the midst of it. That! is what they're celebrating.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing, Mel. You've helped me think a little deeper.Marionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12989740573288200129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480403878902135681.post-36737034144954193172010-04-03T13:47:44.535-04:002010-04-03T13:47:44.535-04:00For me this has always been the most holy of holy ...For me this has always been the most holy of holy days, it has always been one of a deep feeling of sadness and loss. I often feel that but for time and space I might have been there in Jerusulem, and who knows what position I might have taken.<br />Because we did not have a Good Friday service this year at GTA West, I chose to worship with the Kingdom Glory Ministries, the group who is buying the Mississauga church, and who I have come to see as very good friends. I was quite surprised at the tone of the service, it wasn't the sombre service that I'm accustomed to, nor refelected my previous feelings on this day. Instead it was one of celebration and joy, not because of the risen Christ, as one would expect on Easter Sunday. It was joy and celebration of the 'Redemption' of humanity that was paid once and for all by Christ, ending the previous requisite ritual sacrificial offerings to God. They saw this day as one to celebrate that mankind need but embrace this one-time gift of Christ to restore their relationship with God.<br />If ever their were a people who have suffered at the hands of mankind, it was this people, and they were over the top in their celebration of redemption, they were redemmed by a God who was colour blind.<br />I found their celebration quite infectious and it lifted my spirits for the rest of the day, and I don't think I will see Good Friday in quite the same light ever again. <br />This isn't exactly following your theme for today, but close enough that I wanted to share this with you.Mel Millsnoreply@blogger.com