Friday!

Friday. It's a wonderful day.

You know, at work, Fridays are typically the "easy" day of the week. Everyone's dressed down (heh, more than usual) and a little more relaxed than we have been for the previous four days. Less time in meetings, more time to get actual work done, and there's always some time left over to chat with coworkers about whatever the weekend holds, or who's going where for a beer after work.

It's the end of the work week! Yay!!! Casual Fridays, the occasional happy hour with friends and coworkers after the week's loose ends are tied up - all the usual Friday fare. But Friday is a paradox for us, too, one that's made particularly visible when Lent rolls around. The Fridays we look forward to, and some of us practically live for, suddenly recall an entirely different reality - a reminder of the Passion.

In all seasons (not just Lent), Friday's Morning Prayer recalls this reality, and our need for penitence, with Psalm 51:

"Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offense.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;

my sin is always before me.

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence

and be without reproach when you judge.

O see, in guilt I was born,

a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;

then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;

O wash me, I sall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,

that the bones you have crushed may revive.

From my sins turn away your face

and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervor sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,

and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,

burnt offering from me you would refuse,

my sacrifice, a contrite spirit.

A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion;

rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,

holocausts offered on your altar."

Yes, Fridays are good - but Lent reminds us more strongly of a Friday that was indeed Good - but in a very different way.


+peace, and all good!