Kitt O’Malley

Holy Friday

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Stained glass window of Jesus Christ on crucifix flanked by Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist

For those who do not believe in the value of religious mythology, I do. Whether or not the stories actually happened, whether or not they are literally true, they offer messages which are true. The meaning – the message – is what moves me.

In Christianity, today is Good Friday or Holy Friday. Holy Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The message I take away from Holy Friday is that God knows our pain, for Jesus as God incarnate suffered. I take this story to heart, for it has helped me to realize that I am NOT alone in my suffering. God knows, loves and forgives me.

Depressed I believed that I was alone, unloved, unforgivably flawed, and not worthy of life. I believed that the world would be a better place without me in it. I expected perfection from myself and had trouble accepting my brokenness. I hid my pain. I hid in shame. I had no compassion and no forgiveness for myself. If an omnipotent being can take human form and suffer pain on my behalf (on ALL our behalf), then I can forgive and love myself, I can feel compassion for myself, I can accept myself. I am not alone in my suffering. None of us is.

You are loved. You are not alone. Love yourself. You are worthy of your own love. Have compassion for yourself. Forgive yourself your brokenness. It is okay to not be okay. Take care.

Comments

17 responses to “Holy Friday”

  1. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Must be very moving to see the Way of the Cross processed and the Stations of the Cross re-enacted in Jerusalem.

  2. mihrank Avatar
    mihrank

    Friday is solemnly celebrated by the Catholic Church. One of the highlights of this manifestation of faith is the Way of the Cross.

    The fourteen stations represent the most significant episodes of Christ’s Passion and Death. For centuries, the Way of the Cross has been a form of devotion with deep roots for the Christian people, and it continues to this day.

    In Jerusalem, the Way of the Cross on Good Friday is always led by the Custos of the Holy Land, with moments of meditation and prayer.

    Christians around the world are observing Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

    Thousands of pilgrims crowded into the narrow cobblestone alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City for the traditional Good Friday procession. Many carried big wooden crosses as they marched down the historic Via Dolorosa, or Way of Sorrows. They sang hymns and read scriptures as they visited the 14 stations of the Cross, which re-tell the gospels’ story of Christ’s final hours and his death on the cross.

  3. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Thank you, e. Happy Easter.

  4. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Thank you, Diane. Happy Easter. God bless you.

  5. e Avatar
    e

    Yea and Amen Kitt…so good to “hear” your voice…

    e

  6. writerwannabe763 Avatar
    writerwannabe763

    That’s what sometimes ‘finally’ kicks in, if God forgives how can we not.. as mere humans think that we are unworthy.. if He thinks we are more than worthy…. His love surpasses all… Happy Easter ….. Diane

  7. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Thank you.

  8. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Thank you, Mihrank.

  9. Susan Irene Fox Avatar
    Susan Irene Fox

    Kitt, the message of unconditional and eternal love is so important. Jesus wasn’t simply a substitute for our sins – he came to reunite us with our compassionate Father. He lives inside us through the Holy Spirit and will never, ever abandon us. That is true amazing grace.

    Bless you and your family today and this weekend. <3

  10. mihrank Avatar
    mihrank

    Joining you in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and the joyful renewal it brings to all God’s children this Easter season.

  11. Sean Mungin Avatar
    Sean Mungin

    You’re welcome ?

  12. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Thank you so much.

  13. Sean Mungin Avatar
    Sean Mungin

    Well, I’m glad to have met you because you teach me a lot through your posts. So your life has a lot of worth to me! 🙂

  14. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Exactly! God bless you. Happy Easter!

  15. Kitt O'Malley Avatar
    Kitt O’Malley

    Exactly! I know that not only does your mother, like the Blessed Mary, have grace and is worthy of your respect and reverence as a mother, but YOU are a mother. You have suffered loss as a mother, too. You love greatly as a mother, too. I revere you, too.

  16. bpnurse Avatar
    bpnurse

    Thank you for this message, Kitt. I have such a tough time with self-compassion and I needed to read this on today of all days. If Christ can forgive and love me unconditionally, why shouldn’t I do the same for myself?

    Have a blessed Easter, my friend.

  17. Marie Abanga Avatar
    Marie Abanga

    Happy Easter Weekend Kitt; I agree with you that the message is what counts. The message I get and keep here is that The Almighty Father, didn’t hold back his only son from suffering that much, just so we see the depth of his love for us just as we are. I also think of Mary, a woman of grace, who especially on this day suffered so much with and for her only son. Ofcourse I rever her more when I liken my mum to her. Love for me is the ultimate message here and in all Religion or spirituality. Any one which preaches anything else without love, is baseless in my modest opinion. On this day and season, I count myself graceful and grateful to still be alive. I decide henceforth to always remember to perfectly love myself in my imperfections. Afterall, if my Almighty Father is for me, who can or dares be against?

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