Sacred Triduum – Good Friday
Good Friday anniversary of Jesus’ death on the cross. According to the Gospels, Jesus was put to death on the Friday before Easter Day. Since the early church Good Friday has been observed by fasting and penance.
In the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions, the celebration of the Eucharist is suspended; liturgical service involves veneration of the cross, the Passion narrative from the Gospel of St. John, and communion using bread and wine consecrated the previous day, Maundy Thursday .
Other forms of observance include prayer and meditation at the Stations of the Cross, a succession of 14 images, depicting Christ’s crucifixion and the events leading up to it.
I Jesus is condemmed to Death
II Jesus receives his Cross
III Jesus falls the first time
IV Jesus meets his Blessed Mother
Simon helps Jesus carry his Cross
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
VII Jesus falls the second time
VIII Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem
X Jesus falls the third time
- X Jesus is stripped of his garments
Yes, my Lord, this had to be because you loved me, and for no other reason. All I ask is that I live a good life.
You never said such a life would be easy.
I am willing to leave sin behind and live for you alone,
In my brothers and sisters.
Oh my God I am heartily sorry that I have offended thee, may I never offend thee any more, may I love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly, all the days of my life.
Today is a good day. Today is the day of God’s justice; the day when justice and love are fully revealed.
Today we celebrate divine justice, laid bare for all to see, on the Cross of Calvary. Christ Jesus’ total gift of himself is made visible and perfect.
Death on a Cross. Our redemption salvation and forgiveness of our sins flows from this gift.
It flows from the blood of Christ shed for us on the Cross. It is not our sacrifices or effort or striving that sets us free but this sacrifice in which Jesus, true God, true man, the Eternal Son of the Living God, the Lamb, that takes away the sins of the world.
