The date of this issue of The Observer is April 19, Good Friday.

 

Good Friday always stands out in both my childhood and adult memories not just because it is a holy day, but because of the “aura,” you might say, that surrounds the day.

 

Growing up in a small town, Good Friday stood out there too. Even if you weren’t “a regular church goer,” you showed reverence and respect for Good Friday and Easter. 

 

I always remember that this day felt different. It was a slower, quieter, somber day. Schools were closed. All the businesses in my little town, if they were even open on Good Friday, closed from 1 to 3 p.m. People went to church or they stayed quietly in their homes or businesses. Everyone understood that this day was about the most important death ever. It was a holy day that made wherever you were holy too. No one seemed offended or inconvenienced. They just seemed respectful or at least they did in my memories. I suppose there were people back in the day that were non-believers, but my young self never knew any.

 

Good Friday stands out in other memories too. The day brings to mind visiting holy places like Rome, Jordan and Israel. 

 

Walking the Way of the Cross in the streets of Jerusalem, kneeling and praying in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher make the faith I profess more real most especially on this day. 

 

And now another memory is added to my reflection, albeit a sad one. This Holy Week began for many, especially for the people of France, the way it will end with mourning and sorrowful reflection. There was mourning and sorrow over the fire that destroyed much of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was much like a death for so many. 

 

These great churches and holy sites that hold our stories, our art and our history are of priceless importance. But even as we revere and hold close in mind, heart, faith and spirit these holy places that serve to support our faith, we should remember they are manmade buildings and sites inspired to be created by the holy place that is situated in our soul’s relationship with Christ Jesus. 

 

All of our visits to the grand basilicas, cathedrals, churches, deserts and gardens are to support and perpetuate our journey back to the One who made us. We learned through the tragedy of fire this week that faith transcends things of this world even though we use worldly things to practice the faith. Our Holy Place is not of this world but with God and of God. 

 

As Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in an interview with NBC this week, buildings make up the church with a little “c.” The Church with a big “C” is us … the people of God. So while we are thankful for all that man makes possible through art, architecture, literature and music, to glorify God and the Church, we are thankful for the home Christ made possible for us through His death and resurrection. 

 

So as we contemplate the last days of Jesus and His pain on His walk to the cross on which He died for us, let us remember that Christ Himself told us where our Holy Place truly is.

 

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” (Jn 18:36)

 

As Jesus returned to His Father let us go forth from Good Friday into the joy of Easter and live to reside in that Holy Place of home with God our Father and Creator.

 

A blessed Easter to you and your family from all of us at The Observer.

 

Editor’s note: Every Good Friday, Catholics are asked to contribute to the Holy Land collection in their parishes. This collection doesn’t just help the good Franciscans who preserve the Holy sites, it also helps further the faith by assisting all Christians in the Holy Land whose numbers continue to dwindle. Funds from this collection support charitable causes in the Holy Land and help make it possible for Christians to stay and live and work in the Holy Land. It is so important for the Christian footprint to remain and stay vibrant in the land where Jesus lived, taught died and rose again … for our sake. Be as generous as you are able. Thank you.