Today’s Thoughts to Live by, April 3, Friday of the Lord’s Passion.
Liturgy of the Word — Is. 52:13-53:12;
Ps. 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25;
Heb. 4:14-16; 5:7-9;
Jn. 18:1-19:42.
Notes from the ORDO —
Today and, if possible, also on Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil, fast and abstinence are to be observed to honor the Passion and Death of the Lord, to prepare for our renewal of baptismal promises, and to share more deeply in the Resurrection. The celebration of the Liturgy takes place around 3:00 PM, and collections during the veneration are for the cause of the Holy Land (Terra Sancta).
The biblical account of the Lord’s Passion and Death recounts how Jesus prays and agonizes in the Garden of Gethsemane over his imminent death, is betrayed by Judas Iscariot with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver, and is arrested. He is brought before Annas, the Sanhedrin, and Caiaphas the high priest, who question him while he remains silent until Caiaphas adjures him in the name of the living God to declare whether he is the Anointed One, the Son of God.
Jesus responds that they have said so and that they will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty, coming on the clouds of heaven. Accused of blasphemy, he is sentenced to death and brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, on charges of subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be king, though Pilate finds no guilt in him.
Despite this, the crowd is given the choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas, a murderer, and they choose Barabbas, crying out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Jesus then carries his cross to Calvary, also called Golgotha, the Place of the Skull, where he is crucified with two criminals. He agonizes on the cross for three hours, from noon until 3:00 PM, as darkness falls over the land, and he cries out in the words of Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” With a loud cry, he gives up his spirit; the earth quakes, tombs are opened, the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom, and the centurion declares, “Truly, this was God’s Son.” A soldier pierces his side, and blood and water flow out.
Finally, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin and secret followers of Jesus, take his body and lay it in Joseph’s own new tomb, sealing it with a large stone, before returning home to rest as the Sabbath begins at sunset.
There is no Mass on Good Friday. The only sacraments celebrated on this day is the anointing of the sick and Baptism in danger of death.The Solemn Liturgy consists of 3 parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
The Liturgy of the Word — The priest with the altar servers enters in complete silence and prostrates himself in the sanctuary. This signifies the grief and sorrow of the Church. Then the Collect and the Readings from Isaiah and Hebrews follow. The Passion account is from St. John.
The Great Intercessions immediately follow. They consist of prayers for the Church, the Pope, the clergy and laity, those preparing for Baptism, the unity of Christians, the Jews, those who do not believe in Christ and in God, those in public office, and those in special need.
The Veneration of the Cross — The crucifix, covered with violet cloth, is solemnly and gradually unveiled, as the priest sings 3 times: “This is the wood of the Cross on which hung the salvation of the world.” The choir/people answer: “Come, let us adore.” The Cross is then venerated. A plenary indulgence is granted, with the usual conditions, if one venerates the Criss with piety.
Holy Communion — The Rite begins with the Lord’s Prayer, but omits the breaking of the bread and the Agnus Dei. The Eucharist, consecrated at the evening Mass of the Lord’Supper, is distributed to the faithful. The Liturgy ends in silence. The altar is bare except for the Cross and candles.
The traditional procession with the Santo Entierro then takes place.
Good Friday is at the heart of our faith. It is the day when Christ, the Son of God, out of love for us, suffered and died for our salvation. It is a time of deep reflection, prayer, fasting and repentance. It reminds us of the depth of God’s love. We are invited to reflect on our own lives, turn away from sin, and accept the gift of salvation.
Prayer — Almighty God, as we reflect on the passion and death of your beloved Son, strenghten our faith and cleanse our hearts. Help us to truly repent, as we seek your forgiveness. Revive our hearts, and guide us in your truth. This we pray through Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen