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
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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

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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.

Embracing Lent: A Guide to Spiritual Renewal

Lent, running from Ash Wednesday to Easter, involves fasting and giving up pleasures. Protestants, once skeptical, now embrace Lent. Scott Hubbard advocates embracing it as a path to refocus and encounter Jesus. Resources are recommended, including a devotional by Alicia Britt Chole. Lent is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection.

updated March 5, 2025

Lent is the season of the Christian church year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. It is preceded by Fat Tuesday, better known as Mardi Gras.

To observe Lent some people commit to fasting from certain foods or drinks or giving up certain pleasurable activities or habits during the 40 days before Easter.

Some people choose to do something, like performing a service to others, doing a meditative or spiritual activity, or some repetitive action to remind them of the season.

In this article, Scott Hubbard explains how Protestants first rejected, but now embrace Lent and offers resources on observing Lent in a new way.

HOW TO PREPARE AHEAD FOR EASTER

Consider the days ahead as an opportunity — as one more path you might walk to focus your scattered attention, warm your heart’s affections, and meet the risen Jesus afresh.

Scott Hubbard
Hans Urs von Balthasar, (1905-1988), Swiss Roman Catholic theologian and author
to the cross that the christian is challenged to follow his master. quote Hans Urs Von Balthasar
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40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast.

by Alicia Britt Chole

What if you fasted regret? What if your friends fasted comparison? What if your generation fasted escapism? What if your community fasted spectatorship? Trigger a spiritual revolution with this daily devotional for Lent.

Decrease life’s unnecessary details and increase your relationship with the Lord so you can live in awe of Christ’s resurrection! 

40 Days of Decrease is a guide for those hungering for a fresh Lenten/Easter experience. Dr. Alicia Britt Chole guides you through a study of Jesus’ uncommon and uncomfortable call to abandon the world’s illusions, embrace His kingdom’s realities, and journey cross-ward and beyond.

I have used this devotional from Alicia Britt Chole. Using this affiliate link to the paperback or Kindle versions helps support this blog, thanks for considering.

sharing the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

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
FAITH HOPE LOVE in block letters
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Dwell for Lent

The trumpet of fasting and repentance is always for our healing and restoration, never a deepening of wounds. (Joel 2:13)

Dwell daily devotional for Lent, March 5, 2025

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.

Using this affiliate link helps support this blog and my mission to share the heart of health wherever needed all over the world. Please join me.

Beyond fasting

If we want to make the most of this annual opportunity (Lent), we’ll do more than just give something up.

We’ll silence ourselves before the Sovereign who became a servant. We’ll fasten our eyes upon him as he teaches and heals and smiles and weeps — the only upright man in a world of cracked and curved impostors

Scott Hubbard