Photo was taken on the Hill Of Crosses, Lithuania.
The Hill of Crosses is a famous pilgrimage site about 12km north of the city of Siauliai, in northern Lithuania. The precise origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed after a war back in 1831. Pilgrims simply place a cross on the hill of all shapes and sizes to symbolise some cross in their own life. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put the number at well over 100,000.
Thought on Friday – March – 29/03/2013
‘Who of us, for instance, is not stirred in the soul when the passion story is read in church and we come to the part where Jesus takes his last breath and there is that minute of silence, where we all drop to our knees? No Good Friday homily is ever as effective as that single line (“he gave up his spirit”) and the moving silence that ensues.’ ~Ronald Ronheiser
Today is Good Friday. It is a day when we can all in some way connect with what happened to Jesus. This then allows us to connect to the many struggles, setbacks and crosses we have to carry in life too. Today is a solemn day; it is not a day for partying or for celebrations. That is why the Stations of the Cross have huge appeal in many churches today. We have all carried some cross or may be carrying one right now and today we know we are not on our own.
It is in sickness, unemployment, betrayal or the loss of a loved one through death: then we know what Good Friday is all about.
It is when we are lonely and alone, when we feel trapped in a broken relationship, when we feel misunderstood and let down: then we know what Good Friday is all about.
When we feel inadequate, depressed, low self esteem and self worth: then we know what Good Friday is all about.
When we have been unfairly treated, let down by others, ignored, hurt, victimised and not listened to: then we know what Good Friday is all about.
It’s when we have to carry our cross alone and it seems so heavy no one will understand: then we know what Good Friday is all about.
It’s a day that touches in on all our crosses and it’s a day to know that somehow, Jesus carries all our crosses whatever they may be.
