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A Few Words From Pastor Bryan
And Tony Campolo
It's Friday...
but Sunday's Coming!
It's Good Friday. I've heard several different explanations of why we call it that. Some say it goes back to an Old English expression and that "Good" also meant "Holy." The term "Holy Friday" is used especially in Roman Catholic circles. I've also heard that the word "Good" has the same root as the word "God," and that this day evolved in some languages from "God Friday" to "Good Friday." And some just call it good because of the role the cross played in the overall biblical Story that is ultimately good and then some.
Whatever we call it, it's a big day with big meanings. I've been focusing on some of the many ways to understand the significance of the cross for weeks now in Sunday sermons. It still feels as though we've just scratched the surface in so many ways. We'll finish that sermon series with at least one more sermon, but we won't get back to it until we've had a great time in April focusing on Earth Day and Creation Care and Eco-justice. But back to Good Friday.
One of the persons who has had a huge impact on my life and my ministry is the author, speaker, and sociologist Tony Campolo. I've mentioned him several times in sermons. Tony is a great communicator, a spellbinding storyteller, and in his prime he was one of the most engaging and tireless preachers I've ever heard. At the pinnacle of his ministry he did over 300 speaking engagements a year. He ministered largely in evangelical circles for many years, but his own continued growth and spiritual maturation eventually took him in a more and more progressive direction. He was less and less welcome in the more conservative spaces because of his outspoken stand for social justice and for full affirmation of the LBGTQ+ community.
But here's why I'm mentioning Tony today. One of his most famous "preaching riffs" was called, "It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming." It's based on a message the senior pastor of his predominantly Black Church once preached. "Friday" was a symbol of the world's brokenness, pain, injustice, despair and misery. The Cross. And "Sunday," of course, represented the Hope of Easter morning. The message was about naming the worst of what's going on in the world and in our lives, and then reminding everyone that the Cross/Resurrection Mystery is all about realizing that the Power of God's Love is stronger than the worst this world can throw at us. Love is ALWAYS the final Word. But the death on the cross was and is so painfully real...
Well I won't write more about it here. As Grace would have it, I found a video on YouTube of Tony close to 40 years ago in his prime! So you can hear him share it himself . Here's the link. I encourage you to listen to the whole message. Be warned--he's a loud, brash, animated, Italian from Philly (music to my ears but not everyone's!), and kind of "in your face." His style may be a bit much for you. It's dated. But he'll crack you up at times too.. He could have been a stand up comic. You'll probably recognize some of the stories of his that I've told you. And you'll hear him talk about Haiti and his work there. His remarks about Haiti were instrumental in my first going to that country over 30 years ago. This is like a Tony Campolo greatest hits message. But if you want to just hear the "It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming" part, start at about minute 53 and go to the end.
One funny story. After being a fan of Tony's for about 15 years, I was privileged to get to know him and work with him on several occasions. I actually have several songs that are based on stories of his. It was a blast to do a few events with him, and to be able to sing some of them in his presence.
One day I received a phone call from Tony's literary assistant telling me that he was writing a new book and that he wanted permission to quote one of my songs in his book. I said sure (of course I was honored), but that the song they were asking to share was actually based on a quote of Tony's! When the person shared this with Tony, he had no recollection of saying those words, but he was delighted he did! It kind of reminded me of something I heard a Nashville songwriter share: "The key to originality is forgetting where you heard it!"
Here's a link to the song of mine by the way. The quote from Tony (and I know I heard him say it!) was: "The greatest enemy of God's will for your life is all the good things others want you to do." Yeah--that's another sermon. :)
Well I could go on about Tony forever, but I won't. Do take at least a few minutes and listen to Tony's "It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming" riff at minute 53. That is the truth on this "Good Friday" today. Yes, this world is still full of pain and heartache and lots that needs to be changed, and on the cross Jesus identified with all of it.
But thank God, the cross is NOT the end of the Story.
I'll look forward to seeing you Sunday morning!
Pastor Bryan
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