Good Friday

The emotional ups and downs of Holy Week can be as poignant, solemn, and anticipatory as when these events unfolded in the time of Jesus when he came down to earth to pay for our sins in return for our love. Looking around the world, especially today’s world, I can imagine that Jesus is shaking His head in disbelief. Yet, for those who are looking for a renewal of Faith and devotion, this could be the one time in the year where we can remember our roots and how we arrived at our respective places in life.

Upon entering the church, today, we will find an emptiness. The tabernacle door will be standing open, you will not find the Holy Water fonts filled, the altar is bare, and the mood is somber. Jesus was taken away at the end of Holy Thursday to be judged on sins He did not commit . . . for us.

Yes, many of us will be in church today but no will be hear Mass. The priest consecrated extra Hosts, last night as without a Mass being said, there will be no Consecration. We’ve all followed the Way of the Cross for the last six weeks in one way or the other and it ends today.

Thought For Good Friday . . .

This day eternal Love, for me
Fast nail’d unto a cursed tree,
Rending His fleshly veil, did through
His side
A way to paradise provide.
This day Life dy’d; and dying, overthrew
Death, sin, and Satan too.
Oh happy day!
May sinners say:
But day can it be said to be
Wherein we see
The bright Sun of celestial light
O’ershadowed with so black a night?

Sir Edward Sherburne: Good Friday (17th century)

Good Friday . . .

“Come, let us praise Him. Who was crucified for us. For Mary beheld Him on the tree and said, ‘Even if Thou dost endure the cross, Thou art my Son and my God.'”

Byzantine Triodion, Matins, Kontakion. (St. Romanos the Melodist, 6th Century)