Tonight I went to the Good Friday service at the church. As I sat down, I noticed a man a few rows in front of me that had a red piece of cloth draped over his shoulder like a sash. I looked around and saw that several people had the same red sashes. I wondered what the significance was. After we listened to the scripture of Jesus being crucified, a large wooden cross was carried down the center aisle and placed at the front of the church. The priest described some of the burdens that people carry – having a sick loved one, going through a painful divorce, grieving the death of a loved one, having a loved one in prison – the list went on. He then said that these specific burdens were being carried by people present in the church here and now, and that they were wearing a red sash. He reminded us that none of us need to carry our burdens alone and how important it is to be there for each other and pray for each other. He invited everyone to come forward and venerate the cross by embracing it, kneeling before it, kissing it, or showing some other sign of respect. He also invited us all to leave our burdens at the foot of the cross and allow Christ to take them. I started thinking of the burdens I feel that I bear, and the burdens of others that I know. I was ready to lay them down. I got in the line and looked ahead of me to see how other people were making this gesture meaningful and personal. I saw someone who was wearing a red sash approach the cross, take off the sash, and place it at the foot of the cross. As I got closer, I saw the pile of red sashes that were there. It was a very tangible way to help me remember that I truly am not alone in any suffering that I might bear, and that I should allow Jesus to help carry the load.

I Found God today a reminder that Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross to carry my (and your) burdens.