[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 15/Mar/2026]
I have to be honest with you: I sometimes find Good Friday a little frustrating.
It’s not the event itself, of course. The day marks one of the pivotal moments in the Christian calendar, when we pause to reflect on the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift he gave to us through the cross.
Throughout my life, Good Friday has always been important to me – though, as a child, that probably had something to do with my love of hot cross buns! I have fond memories of eating them every year at church after the Good Friday service: real butter (which we never had at home) melting into a still-warm bun. Those small traditions have a way of sticking with you.
Sorry, I’m getting distracted.
What I find frustrating is that for many people, Good Friday has become little more than an extra bank holiday – a chance for a lie-in, a day to relax, or perhaps to get a few jobs done around the house. I’m not talking about people who don’t follow Jesus – that’s understandable. I’m talking about committed Christians for whom Good Friday barely registers.
Why is that? Perhaps it’s the solemn tone of the day. There are no big celebrations or joyful, upbeat songs. Perhaps it’s because we sometimes meet in unfamiliar places when churches gather together. Or maybe it’s simply because Friday isn’t a day when we normally “do church”. Whatever the reason, my challenge to you is this: think intentionally about how you will mark Good Friday this year.
I’m not suggesting you attend midnight prayers, fast all day, and go to multiple services (though if that works for you, go for it!). And while it would be wonderful to see you at one of the Churches for Horley services, the real question is simpler than that.
Take some time. Slow down. Have a conversation with God. Ask yourself:
What could I do differently this Good Friday to pause, reflect, and say thank you to Jesus?
After all, he did it for you.
And then, just two days later, come and celebrate the rest of the story with us on Easter Sunday – because the cross was never the end of the story.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: When You Don’t Read The Directions by David Makanjuola
Contributed by Martin Shorey; © Martin Shorey