​ 2412 Griffith Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011  

Phone: (213)-677-2784  Email: info@secondbaptistchurchla.org

Second Baptist Church LA

GOOD FRIDAY

It was nine o'clock in the morning when the crucifixion took place.  A signboard was fasten to the cross above Jesus' head, announcing the charge against him.  It read: King of the Jews."  Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his.  And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery.  Ha, look at you now! they yelled at him.  You can destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, can you?  Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross! Mark 15:2530  (The New Living Translation)

People can be cold and cruel, insensitive and injurious, mean and malicious. John Donne said, No man is an island, entire of itself; every person is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. Any person's death diminishes me, because I am involved with humankind."  The lost of any life is lamentable under any circumstances for all of life is a precious gift that no one has a right to take, abuse or misuse.  Something dreadful occurred that devastated Mary and the acquaintances of Jesus.  One in whom they have put their trust and on whom they have depended was falsely accused and cruelly murdered.   In two short verses it is described with graphic poignancy.



“A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight.  Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home.  49 All of Jesus’ close friends
and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.”  Luke 23:48-49

What do you do when it seems that all is lost and you feel helpless?  Well, you can follow the custom of your community, perform the ritual of your faith and practice to the tradition of your tribe.  (a) Community customs bring people together to at least watch what is happening even when they cannot prevent it for occurring.  (b) Performing the ritual of your faith eases you through life's changes, transitions and uncertainty.  (c) Practice the tradition of your tribe.  People come together to do what they can to respond in the most plausible way they know to manage the awfully disturbing, distressing and disappointing reality.