Holy Week

Oh dear, that's my (Victorian) taste in sacred song put in its place, but TBH I don't think Stainer is any worse than 90% of Hymns Ancient & Modern fondly remembered and usually sung with great gusto.
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Sorry I cannot agree teribull, yes his death was barbaric but for me to wipe it from my thoughts would be to wipe out the fact that he suffered for me .

Easter is deeply moving.
What saddens me is that some many in the World are still facing similar suffering. How can all this suffering be to teach us about God's love, never understood that on?. Sorry.

AB - I think it's all about our own personal experiences, I would not attempt to try and interpret anyone else's perception. However, being brought up a Catholic when I was a child during the 60s, my religion was imbued in such a way it struck an element of fear and horror, this feeling has not altogether left me and it was also something I didn't want to impart to my own children. I continue to see the death of Jesus as barbaric and Good Friday will always resonate with me as a very sad day, but the light at the end of the tunnel is of course the resurrection.

But LullyDully, the suffering in the world isn't to teach us of gods love, it's caused because we dismiss that love , God doesn't cause suffering man does

I' haven't been to church in years, and AB, I don't know if it will make Good Friday any easier for you, but please remember that, as painful as our dear Lord's death was, He was not the only one executed that way. Crucifixion, don't forget, was the Roman form of capitol punishment. Without meaning to minimize Jesus' sacrifice, I'm sure it was just as painful for them and just as hurtful (in some cases) for their loved ones to see. Also, though I know many of the others were criminals and so forth, it wouldn't surprise me if some of them were innocent of any wrongdoing, as well.

Teri, perhaps that thought will help ease your remaining sense of horror, too, though, actually, I don't know if it makes it better or worse (sigh). I agree with you about not exposing children to such a feeling though I understand that not everyone feels that way.

Anyway, what I love most about Easter, as a previous poster said, is the spirit of renewal that comes with it, both cuz of Christ's having risen and the spring season. But I have to take exception to the idea that it was set in spring for this reason. It was set there cuz Jesus' Last Supper was Passover and that's when that ancient feast takes place. Also, another poster mentioned the festival of Oestre (spelling?) and that's when that festival was enjoyed. But maybe the ancient Hebrews and Pagans deliberately placed their festivals in the spring, so I guess the point still holds.

Thank you Wendysue, yes I remember the two also crucified that day and that is was common at that time. It's the fact that his suffering was for us all yet it dismissed as a fairy story by many and the fact I personally know I am unworthy of that great love but even so it is given to me freely

I am not a Catholic but it is the misery of the Blessed Virgin Mary I feel most strongly about. Jesus died on the cross but such was his faith and belief that (apart from wavering at one time, and if he did then we may not feel so badly if we waver sometimes) he knew what the outcome would be for him at the end.

Poor Mary, his mother to see her son die in such a way.

I got an e-mail to-day from Bargain Booze inviting me to buy from them to celebrate Easter . I was not impressed.

Jamila ,if I could ask Mary one question I think it would be - when you presented your son at the temple and Simeon told you how special your son would be but a spear would pierce your heart too, did you ever think just how much pain was in Simeon's warning ? - if warning is the right word ,

Floradora, it's just a bank holiday for many is't it? But I like you would not be impressed

My Christian faith tends to be worked out in practical ways, but during Holy Week I'm conscious of the more mystical/spiritual elements of faith. At Easter some years ago I heard Tony Campolo give his famous (notorious) sermon: 'it's Friday, but Sunday's coming', and since then it's been a sort of mantra for me at this time of the year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn94B3GHcjY

Easter and the passion of Christ is surely the whole point of the Christian faith? Yet many of those who say they are 'Christian' would not worship even at this most holy time and understand little of the spiritual significance. There is so much culturally that I love about Christianity but I just cannot make the leap of faith to believe in God. So I try to follow the teachings of Jesus as in the gospels and enjoy the festivals on a secular level..get my spiritual fix from the natural world and sense of community from good friends ( of all faiths and none!) and try not to harm anyone and know that I am not perfect or always right

I know what you're saying, Annie. But please remember that He also rose on Sunday morning, so He wasn't "dead" for long. And all this is why we have the promise of Eternal Salvation, too.

I never forget that Wendysue or his promise to the thief on the cross

I don't know Annie; she may have thought as all mothers do that children bring love but also can bring heartbreak with them too because as a mother you will always feel their pain.

I so agree Jalima,

That's so true Jalima and sadly for some of us the children we love bring heartbreak when they turn their backs on us. I've always found Easter an emotional time especially now, when we see parents with their adult children and grandchildren and are reminded of what we've lost.

Our faith has sustained us through this terrible time and I know that at my lowest God has been with me even when I've been consumed by fear and doubt.

It's been a pleasure to read the posts on this thread, especially yours Anniebach.

Happy Easter everyone! He is risen!

He is risen and he reigns

Easter blessings to all

What a joyous day

Happy Easter Annie

Smileless, I too am suffering separation from my first born , I will not give up hope she will be healed and come home to me X

Beautifully said, Annie!

Happy Easter, everyone! Or if you're carrying some sorrow with you today cuz of estrangements, I just wish the day will ease your pain a little and give you a little more hope.

Happy Easter everyone (rather late)

What a lovely thread this has been, hope everyone enjoyed or was comforted throughout this most special of weeks

How is it ever possible to explain - the love that passeth all understanding