Many Christians honor Good Friday with a Tenebrae service. “Tenebrae” is the Latin word for “darkness.” In the worship, candles are slowly extinguished, leaving the congregation in silence and darkness to contemplate despair, hope, and memory.
If it is comfortable and possible for you to do so, spend some time today in silence and darkness.
“Our grief is a holy thing. It is that proof that another life touched ours in a profound way. It is the mark of love, the mark of connection, and the mark of a life well lived.” -Tracie Barrett-Welser
“Thinking about memory suddenly became important when my husband, Sky, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016…. As we processed this devastating news, Sky said he assumed he would eventually forget his family, but he was mostly afraid that he would forget his Self.” -Jane Dwinell, in this month’s Quest
What are you most afraid of forgetting?
¿Por qué no recordamos los primeros días de nuestras vidas? I am learning Spanish on Duolingo and this phrase keeps returning to my lessons: Why don’t we remember the first days of our lives? My earliest memory is at my brother’s first birthday party–I was one. It is a memory of a day with my grandmother that I cherish, and my online Spanish lessons keep reminding me of it. -Michael Tino (CLF)
What is your earliest memory?
Sometimes, we light a candle to remember someone important. As it burns lower, its flickering light reminds us to bring them into our hearts, minds, and prayers.
Light a candle of remembrance today.
