Tonight I attended my very first Good Friday service, which also happened to be my first tenebrae service. This service gets its name from the Latin word "tenebrae" which means "darkness" or "shadows." It is a Christian tradition that began in the 4th century and was designed to be conducted on Good Friday. The most significant feature of this service is the gradual extinguishing of the candles in the room, one by one throughout the course of the service- representing the flight of Jesus' disciples as they abandoned Jesus during the last hours of his life- until the congregation is left in total darkness and silence. It is a service of deep meaning and reflection.
The choir presented a compilation of music and narration entitled "Song of the Shadows" by Joseph Martin. The following introduction was written by Joseph M. Martin himself:
"The earthly life of Christ began in shadows. By the flickering of a candle flame in a rugged stable, the Light of the World delivered himself into our darkness.
In the shadows of ancient temples, we see him preaching "let there be light," and hope began to live where once only despair and night had ruled.
In the shadows of an upper room, we see him experiencing betrayal, but teaching the world about forgiveness and servanthood.
In the midnight of Gethsemane, we see Christ himself, struggling as we do with the lengthening shadows of life, and still he teaches us about obedience and sacrifice.
Past Pilate's court, we see Jesus walk through the valley of the shadow of death as he embraces the cross. Yet it is the silhouette of that same cross which cast onto the sands of time, offers rest and shelter for those who are weary from the journey. In that sacred shadow, we discover our faith. It is there we develop our night vision, trusting God to be our guide.
Shall we walk together for awhile in the shadow of the cross? It will not be an easy sojourn, but we will not walk alone. As we confront the "dark night of the soul," we can always find comfort in this: That wherever there are shadows, there is also light."
This sums up the service better than I ever could. It followed the journey of the shadows. For me, I was left with a question. How do I go out and live like the one who was the light in the shadows? Even in times of great suffering, Jesus chose to be the light. How can I imitate Jesus in that manner? How will I react when times are tough and it seems like the world is against me? Will I choose to bring the light or will I hide in the shadows?
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