In a dark time, the eye begins to see

 Roethke, In a Dark Time

A day like Good Friday bears witness to a truth that runs through all the different wisdom traditions, namely, that the times when we are challenged and hurt are often the moments when we grow the most. Thus  places of darkness are difficult and fruitful at the same time. This truth needs to be remembered in a culture that focuses on perpetual youth, continual progress and ongoing self-improvement: :

Life may be brimming over with experiences,

but somewhere, deep inside,

all of us carry a vast and fruitful loneliness wherever we go.

Etty Hillesum

photo mark 10:43