Seattle Good Friday reflections highlight hope, compassion, and prayers for global change
WASHINGTON STATE — On this Good Friday, when Christians reflect on the sacrifices Christ made, many also use the day to direct their prayers toward others across the globe.
People in Seattle, headed into noon mass at St. James Cathedral, not only look inward but also out to the world, directing their prayers toward others.
“In this climate, I think it’s really important to think about and reflect on the things that we don’t understand in each other and try to be compassionate and loving in the way that we do that,” Beide Bekele told KOMO News.
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“And not be judgmental because judgment is only for God, not for us, and we don’t know people’s journey, the steps they took to get where they are at,” Michael Abebe told KOMO News just before he and Bekele walked toward the cathedral. Several Christians told KOMO News that they often pray for our leaders to have empathy, compassion, and integrity.
“Especially for those are not like them — marginalized — homeless -hungry — those who are really struggling,” Sheryll Acoba told KOMO News. War-torn regions across the globe also sit top of mind for people.
“I can’t stop thinking about the children in Gaza. I can’t help thinking of those men in the prison in El Salvador,” Sister Sheila Lemieux, with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace. “I can’t help thinking of all of these changes that are going on that affect the most vulnerable.”
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“Praying for the peace of Jerusalem and to bring it to the wall,” Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel said after placing a prayer in a crack of the Western Wall.
“We need more of that peace and understanding,” Nina Acoba told KOMO News before she and her two daughters walked into St. James.
The mourning and reflection of Good Friday for Christians also includes a reminder that good can and does, win out over evil.