I can remember my older brother asking why once and hearing my dad's dad say, "It's because He's in there, in the tabernacle." I recall looking at the church and wondering who could be in there that was so important that my grandfather would slow down and say hello even when he couldn't be seen.
As I got older, and lost my dad's dad, it was only my mom's father who slowed down to say "Hello." I loved him and wanted to make him proud, so I would cross myself, too. How he would smile at me when I joined him in this small show of respect.
I'll always remember the Good Friday when we drove by St Elizabeth's Church. As my hand rose to my forehead, Grandpa's gentle hand reached out to stop me. "Not today," he told me. "Today he's not there and the whole world is a little sadder to not have Him in it."
That's where my brain is this morning....in that big boat of a car with my grandfather as his eyes welled up and he fought back his sadness. His mournful voice said, "Today He's in the tomb and we are alone."
My mind keeps drifting to the empty tabernacles all over the world with their doors standing open, filled only with the silence of the grave. How ready we will be for Easter to arrive when we can again bask in his glorious presence.
5 comments:
Beautiful... Good Friday always gives me chills... The empty Tabernacle is such a heaviness in our church
What a beautiful way to see Good Friday. I'm fighting back the tears that welled up in my eyes reading it.
You had me in tears, also. The weather here must be mourning, too, since it is very cold and the sky the color that predicts snow. Today just looks and feels sad.
I just read the last few posts. I hope you feel better soon.
Packrat - I've been making folks cry all week. With Good Friday, the anniversary of the OKC bombing, and extreme morning sickness all hitting at once, it's been rough. Next week will be happy posts, I promise.
What a holy and beautiful way to pass the faith on to one's children and grandchildren. Love your Grandfather.
Post a Comment