Good Friday is the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, with the term “Good” being a bit baffling. According to Gnostic teachings Jesus appeared to John, the Beloved disciple, and laughed at the dismal scene of his crucifixion, unveiling the nature of his mystery. Jesus then told the disciples to dance, saying, “He who dance not, know not what is taking place.” (The Acts of John: 94)
The only certainty beyond all ego’s illusions is death. This is why the ego does its best to deny and hide it, desperately trying to preserve a dream of unlimited power and wellbeing. Pain, illness and death cause great embarassment to the ego.
The majority of people go through these experiences secretly, hiding or feeling ashamed and guilty towards a world based on hypocrisy and artificial happiness. Pain, illness and death can be hard experiences, yet what makes them devastating is the mad idea that they are the consequence of something wrong we have done.
The maximum perversion that belief systems based on separation can reach is to assume that our bodies have been created perfect, so that physical illness and pain are just our fault, a sign that we didn’t behave properly or have unresolved issues…
The unquestionable evidence is that all human beings, including the most arrogant and “enlightened”, are bound to get ill and die. Hence the main aim in this world is not reaching happiness by avoiding pain, illness and death, but to remain in a space of peace and happiness no matter whethere there is pleasure or pain, health or illness, life and death.
Today, Good Friday, we can choose to be authentic, accepting both our pain and joy, being transparent about them, even if this seems to cause embarassment in others.
The symbol of Christianity is the cross. Some people on the spiritutal path are disturbed by this symbol, for it stresses sufferance, sacrifice and death. They claim that one needs to emphasize the positive aspects of life, its joy and beauty. Joy and beauty in life resides in the full acceptance of the human experience, which includes also death.
The cross reminds us about the inevitable appointment with death, the fact that the death of the body unites us all, including the Divine, together with the beauty and joy that comes when we accept it and move beyond.
© Franco Santoro
Note: All information provided in this page is presented solely for inspirational reading, mainly in accordance with seasonal and astrological cycles. These are not absolute truths and are not meant to substitute the recipient’s direct experience and investigation. This page does not necessarily endorse any of the ideas and views expressed in this literature, including those of its author.