In the late afternoon of every Good Friday, Oaxaca has a silent procession. Hooded members of various Roman Catholic churches carry a life sized statue of Jesus through the downtown streets of Oaxaca. Bystanders watch this procession in total silence as the city remembers the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The only sounds are drummers beating a mournful beat.Visitors from the U. S. are always a little unnerved, since to them, the hoods in the procession are similar to the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan. However the hoods in Oaxaca are nothing more than a guarantee of anonymity for the church members carrying the statue of Jesus. They believe that humility is best practiced with no one knowing who you are.
After witnessing the solemnity and heaviness of this procession, I am so glad for the words of Matthew 28: 5 & 6 -
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here: HE HAS RISEN, just as he said.
Alleluia!
1 comment:
Thank you for your Easter message, JoEllen. We will remember to pray for you and the church in Oaxaca this Easter Sunday. May God bless you and give you a day of rejoicing!
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