Category: News, observances, history

Good Friday

Good Friday is observed by Christians worldwide as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial. The cross, symbolizing this event, is emblematic of Christianity. Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, a highly esteemed writer, produced numerous works on faith. Biblical accounts from the books of Mark, John, and Luke provide the scriptural basis for this observance.

The Cross, symbol of Christianity

Christians around the world observe the Friday before Easter as “Good Friday”, although the events remembered are dark and somber. They believe that on this day, as recorded in the New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, died, and was buried.

Thus, a cross became perhaps the best-known symbol of Christianity.

to the cross that the christian is challenged to follow his master. quote Hans Urs Von Balthasar
a LIGHTSTOCK.COM graphic, affiliate link

Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988) was a Swiss theologian widely regarded as one of the greatest theologians and spiritual writers of modern times. Named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, he died shortly before being formally inducted into the College of Cardinals.

He wrote over one hundred books, including Prayer,  Love Alone Is Credible, and Mysterium Paschale(The Mystery of Easter) . (These are affiliate links.)

“A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross.”

Gospel of Mark chapter 15

take up thy cross and follow me
Photo by Dr. Aletha

“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene.”

“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, …… When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Gospel of John chapter 19

Good Friday-Jesus was buried in a tomb

“Then he (Joseph) took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.

 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed.”

Gospel of Luke chapter 23

All scriptures are used from

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Thanks for sharing these words of faith, hope, and love with me. Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

The cover featured image is from Lightstock.
cheesy-free faith-focused stock photos

Lightstock-quality photos and graphics site- here. 

(This is an affiliate link)

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App.

With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is one of several “holidays”, or more correctly holy days that Christians “celebrate”, meaning observe, in the weeks before Easter which we call Lent.

Palm Sunday is one of several “holidays”, or more correctly holy days that Christians “celebrate”, meaning observe, during Lent, the weeks before Easter

Christians observe Palm Sunday as a reminder of the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem before being tried and sentenced to death.

Jesus Enters Jerusalem
(Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.28-38; John 12.12-19)

Many people spread clothes on the road, while others put down (palm) branches they had cut from trees. Some people walked ahead of Jesus and others followed behind. They were all shouting,

image from the LIGHTSTOCK.COM collection, an affiliate link

“Hooray for the Son of David!
God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hooray for God in heaven above!”

Matthew chapter 21, CEV

Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)

© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.


image from the LIGHTSTOCK.COM collection, an affiliate link

Edward McKendree Bounds was trained as an attorney, but instead of pursuing a legal career, he entered the ministry in his early twenties. In 1859 he was ordained as pastor of the the Monticello Methodist Church in Missouri.

He edited a Methodist newspaper and wrote books, concentrating on the practice of prayer.

The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer: Including: POWER, PURPOSE, PRAYING MEN, POSSIBILITIES, REALITY, ESSENTIALS, NECESSITY, WEAPON

Bounds served as a chaplain in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was captured by the Union Army in Franklin, Tennessee. After his release, he held weekly prayer sessions there.

I took this photo of the historic Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee

The “holy days” of Lent

Lent starts with the well-known Fat Tuesday-Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday.

Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday, illustrated in the Lightstock drawing above.

At my church on Palm Sunday, the preschool-age children march into the sanctuary waving palm branches and singing. The parents and grandparents sit up front, proudly taking pictures and videos. After church, the kids enjoy an Easter egg hunt on the church lawn.

It’s a day to celebrate before we observe the solemn sad day later in the week, Good Friday.

cheesy-free faith-focused stock photos

Lightstock-quality photos and graphics site- here. 

(This is an affiliate link)

Exploring the Heart of

FAITH LOVE HOPE- words created with letter tiles
These three remain, faith, hope and love, and greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13, a Lightstock graphic

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha