The Gospel in a Glass

Good Friday 1956

Remember when we were kids and Good Friday was a day
of solemn remembrance
When schools, banks, the candy store
Especially the candy store!
Closed punctually at twelve o’clock noon?
Worshipers gathered somber-faced into the church
And spoke in susurrant whispers
As the organ droned “Were You There?”
No mirth on that day!  None!
Even sunlight streaming in through stained glass windows
Diminished brilliant hues to lesser glory
Devoid of radiance
Except for the red which flowed like blood
Onto lilies, Christ kneeling in anguished prayer,
The cross
Timeless mosaic held secure by once-molten lead
The Gospel in glass
Remember when at precisely three o’clock
The church bell tolled the death knell
And every breath seemed held in abeyance
For just that millisecond 
As the doleful proclamation faded, then was gone?
Remember when in innocence children queried Why is this Good
And for just that time the answer was silence
Because who can explain the depth and breadth and height
Of such selfless love and goodness.
Remember.  Just remember.

Shared by Nancy Buffenbarger