Good Friday

 

The Story Behind Good Friday

According to the New Testament, Jesus was condemned by Jewish leaders for claiming to be the Son of God. He was handed over to the Romans, and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced him to death by crucifixion. Jesus endured public humiliation and physical torture and was forced to carry a wooden cross through the streets. He was then nailed to the cross and left to die. For Christians, his suffering and death were not in vain; they see it as a selfless act of love meant to wash away the sins of mankind and restore their connection with God.

Significant of Good Friday 

Good Friday marks the day Jesus Christ was crucified — a moment of deep sorrow and reverence for Christians. While the name “Good Friday” may seem paradoxical given the suffering it commemorates, it reflects the profound spiritual good that believers associate with Jesus’s sacrifice — the redemption of humanity. PChristians observe the day through fasting, penance, almsgiving, and church services. Many participate in the Service of the Great Three Hours’ Agony, held from noon to 3 p.m., symbolising the hours Jesus suffered on the cross. It’s a time for prayer, silence, and reflection on themes of pain, sacrifice, and hope.

As Easter draws near, Good Friday stands as a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance for Christians across the globe. Falling just before Easter Sunday, this solemn day honours the crucifixion of Jesus Christ — a cornerstone event in Christian faith.

A Day of Reflection and Hope

Though it is a day of mourning, Good Friday is also one of deep spiritual meaning. It encourages believers to reflect on the themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and unconditional love — values at the heart of Christian faith. As churches hold quiet services and cities slow down, Good Friday invites people of all ages to pause, pray, and prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter Sunday.

When is Good Friday ?

Good Friday will be observed on April 18, in every year. It always falls on the Friday before Easter and forms a crucial part of the Paschal Triduum – a sacred three-day period starting with Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, and culminating in Easter Sunday.

How to celebrate good Friday at home?

If you don’t have a crucifix on your hand, make a cross, suitable but very simple, about 40 centimeters long—for example, with two wooden sticks tied with string.

If possible, the text of the great Good Friday Solemn Intercessions should be made available to each person present.

The person who will lead the celebration should take to heart the responsibility of preparing their role well in advance.

The Reading of the Passion is particularly beautiful. In order to do it justice, the readers should make an effort to read it slowly, in a loud voice and with clear diction. Ideally, each reader should prepare in advance their part of the reading.

The roles should be assigned in advance.

This celebration requires the presence of at least two three people.

If you’re alone, it is better to simply read the readings and prayers of the Mass of the day in your missal and/or watch the Celebration of the Passion on television or internet.

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