GOOD FRIDAY, SUFFERING AND THE CHURCH

"As Christians begin their celebration of the Easter season, the Catholic church seems stuck in Good Friday."
ABC News

I would say this is a fair evaluation of the state of the Church today. Just as Christ suffered and died so must the Church. And just like Christ she will rise again, in glory.

And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.

Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that thou knowest me. Luke 22:31-34

History spins in circles as Peter is once again being tested.

"And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them.

Whom when a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light, and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with him.

But he denied him, saying: Woman, I know him not.

And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not.

And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with him; for he is also a Galilean.

And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter going out, wept bitterly." Luke 22:55-62

I am starting to believe that we will see this whole scene played out again. Just as Peter was weak so is the man sitting on his seat. He is, after all, only human. This will be seen as a victory over the Church by its enemies. But it isn't. Just as in the Bible Peter will repent and eventually reemerge to lead the Church into a new age.

But between this new age and now lies the three days of darkness. The Church will be scourged, mocked, torn to pieces and crucified. It will be wrapped in a shroud and put into the earth. Peter and the Apostles will think all has been lost. Many that believed will turn their backs and walk away. Only a handful will be left, crushed, despondent and dismayed.

But just as long ago, Easter morning will dawn. Those that remained faithful will see the dawn of a new world. As for the rest, I don't know. I assume many will be lost and some will be converted. All we can do is pray.

That was enough happiness for one day. Pray that you remain faithful through the coming storm. I truly believe it is upon us now. I hope I'm wrong.

GOOD FRIDAY AND ALL IS QUIET

I'm thinking a holiday is in order. Just turn off the news, forget about the world and tune out for a day or two.

I was out working the garden today, just me and the bees. Nice and quiet it was. The radishes, lettuce and mustard greens are starting to come up and the chard and peas should be coming along in the next day or so. The brussel sprouts are doing nicely and I'll get the collards in tomorrow.

My old jon boat is sitting next to the garden which got me to thinking that the crappie should be starting to hit and the bluegill and bass will start in sometime next month. The rivers are high right now but there's a couple lakes I know that ought to be shaping up pretty nice.

The turkeys were down hanging out with my chickens this morning trying to get some of their scratch grains. They seemed to have worked something out between themselves because everybody got something to eat and no hard feelings were in evidence. We've got a couple big gobblers strutting their stuff for the ladies out in the yard. They don't know turkey season's right around the corner.

The grapes are budding and the blackberries are starting to get some leaves. The plum and peach trees are leafing out and the buckeyes have had their buds pop open with the coolest looking leaves sprouting from them. They have the most interesting buds of any tree in the woods. The buckeyes always get their leaves before anything else around here.

The buzzards are back and so are the bluejays. I saw a bald eagle fly over the church the other day. They should be heading back north pretty soon.

In other words, at least here in my little corner of it, all is right with the world. It's working pretty much the way it's meant to. And for that I'm thankful. I may not have much money and the whole damned globe is about to erupt in some sort of apocalyptic meltdown but right now, and for the next few days, I'm not going to pay attention. I'm going to focus on a blade of grass or the song of a bird. I'm going to look into the face of my wonderful granddaughter and the eyes of my beautiful wife. I'm going to thank God for my kids, my parents and all the blessings I've been given.

And tomorrow night I'll participate in the last night of the Triduum. I'll thank God for the sacrifice of His Son and I'll beg His forgiveness for all I've done wrong and ask His guidance and protection for the year ahead. I'll ask Him to strengthen my family and me for what is coming.

We're going to need it.