In Spain and Italy, today is “Holy Friday.” In Germany, “Sorrowful Friday.” In the Eastern Churches, “The Holy and Great Friday.” In Denmark, “Long Friday.” The origins of the English “Good Friday” are uncertain. Some say that on this day one sees the greatest manifestation of God’s “goodness.” Others say that “Good” Friday mistakenly evolved from the original phrase “God’s” Friday. Along with Easter, it is the oldest feast in the Church’s calendar.
On Good Friday, Mass is not celebrated anywhere in the world. Instead, the solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion is celebrated , normally in the afternoon. Holy Communion is distributed from the bread that was consecrated at the Mass on Holy Thursday. After communion, the people leave the church in silence.
Our prayers are requested for the peaceful passing to his loving Lord of the father of SJJ student Nic Conway. His father passed in his sleep yesterday. Pray for Nic and his mother at this tragic time. Please pray for a safe and restful Easter Break for our students, faculty, and staff. “Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Because of this God greatly exalted him.” (Philippians 2:8-9, from the Verse Before the Gospel at today’s Good Friday services.) St. John Berchmans, pray for us. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains but a single grain; but if it dies it yields a rich harvest.” (John 12:24)
My happiness doesn’t depend upon somebody outside me, but upon being at peace with what’s inside me. The paschal mystery is the mystery of how we, after undergoing some kind of death, receive new life and new spirit. Jesus, in both his teaching and in his life, showed us a clear model for how this should happen. The Holy Longing, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser
