Scores of Christians today made their way to churches across the country to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Some worship centres opened from as early as 8 a.m., as Barbadians prayerfully reflected on the life and death of Christ in traditional Good Friday fashion.
At the St James Parish Church at Folkestone, the sound of the organ and cheerful singing could be heard. Members also conducted a modest re-enactment of Jesus’ last days on earth and the events which led to his eventual death on the cross at Calvary.
During an address to the congregation, Eucharistic Minister Richard Sealy pointed to the biblical character Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus as he was paraded through the streets of Jerusalem.
“The cross borne by Simon is figurative of the boundaries and trials faced in this mortal life. Our Lord and Saviour gave a hint of how these challenges are to be faced. The path of self denial leads to the death of our own passions and wills. It leads to a life much more grounded and rooted in prayer and introspection. It leads us to ask the question more and more of ourselves, ‘what would Jesus do?’” he suggested.
He also indicated that the solemn Lenten tradition of denying one’s self access to certain pleasures like meat or alcohol would be meaningless in the absence of efforts to effect permanent changes to one’s character.
“One of the features that we see exhibited more locally, regionally and internationally is that the concept of death to self seems not to be as prominent as in days gone by… the belief that we are little gods ourselves, creating idols that become the main way and reason that our appetites have to be satisfied. A life that is based only on satisfying one’s desires and pushing God further and further away.
“It would seem that when the teachings of Christ or a view of the Cross is absent in our lives, our main concern is about how the next urge is to be satisfied. It does not matter what are the consequences of the actions. Just how one’s satisfaction can be achieved,” observed the minister.
To prevent such a dangerous lifestyle, he suggested that the cross should not become an irrelevant feature of daily life, but should instead continue to be “printed on our hearts”. (kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)
@Crow – Wow, that church sure looks empty. I know Johnny did not go today. R u reserving ur seat for Sunday Johnny.
One of these days you will be in church Jennifer, on your back. Yes I was in church.The church and its teaching will never ever die, you will.
Don’t we all die Johnny?? While I have ur attention, what day was the Christ crucified??? What day did he rise Johnny??? According to Matthew 12:40 Christ said that he will be in the heart of the earth 3 DAYS and 3 NIGHTS. So here is the major question Johnny – can u MATHEMATICALLY get 3 DAYS and 3 NIGHTS if the Christ was crucified on a Friday and rose on a Sunday as it was dawning??? Tell me Mr Crow???
Jennifer, there was one criminal on a cross beside Jesus on his cross, who did not mock him.That criminal unlike the others, asked Jesus to remember him when he comes to his Kingdom. Jesus is said to have promised him to do just that. I really hope that you one day, despite your rhetoric, have that final opportunity to settle with the Almighty before you depart this earth.
@Johnny – u did not answer my question or even considered to LOOK at the bigger picture.
Shucks u can’t answer it can you Johnny? have a great day Johnny.
@ ,Jennifer, hail, hail, on the button, Don’t we all die, you must be careful what you say, or else you wouldn’t be let into heaven,, must add in the Uk ,all days seems to be the same, on Friday the church near to me ,when I pass on my way to the betting shop was very empty, the betting shop had the biggest crowd for all week , It was drawn to my attention, they was a queue at the KC shop,,,, fish is getting very expensive ….