The Dean has prepared a visual journey through Holy Week: an image for each day from within the cathedral, together with a reflection and prayer. We will the daily reflections onto our website each morning.

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday and I have three images of the Cross of Christ for you.

The first is by Craigie Aitchison and has been hanging in the cathedral for a few months, on loan from the Jerwood Collection. For me, it depicts the utter isolation of Christ on the Cross. The disciples had fled, his friends deserted him – he even cried out, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

For us, this year, I think that the isolation of Christ on the Cross will be that more real to us.

 

The second is by Nicola Hopwood – it’s been in the cathedral for the whole of Lent. This glass image  shows an isolated Christ – yes, but one where an unseen hand offers him help and comfort. When he cries out ‘I thirst’, he is offered vinegar on a spear, so the gospels tell us.  But that compassionate act is anonymous. Perhaps it has been so with is in the past?Perhaps glimpses of light in the darkness of isolation has been offered by those unknown to us, who have come to us as strangers?

 

The third image is one familiar to us – the cathedral’s processional cross, which we see, Sunday by Sunday. This shows us a crucified Christ, but he is  not alone – there are Mary and John by his side, there is an angel looking on. Isolation can sometimes be made bearable by the thoughts and prayers of others. Thank God for those who have brought us strength and consolation in our present isolation.

 

Almighty God,

we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family

for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed

and given up into the hands of sinners

and to suffer death upon the cross;

who now liveth and reigneth with thee,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

 

To listen to the Dean's musical journey through Holy Week, recorded by our cathedral choir, and with a commentary and introduction please click here.