The Goodness of Good Friday
QUEZON CITY (PIA) --- Good Friday is traditionally a time of fasting and penance, and most especially commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
But for Christians, Good Friday commemorates not just a historical event, but the sacrificial death of Christ, which, with the resurrection, comprises the heart of the Christian faith.
The evening (at sunset) of Good Friday begins the second day of the Paschal Triduum. The major Good Friday worship services begin 3:00 p.m (the time Jesus is believed to have died).
Various traditions and customs are associated with the western celebration of Good Friday. The singing of the Passion of St. John's gospel consists of reading or singing parts of John's gospel: John 18:1-19:42 "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cé-dron, where was a garden, into which He entered and his disciples." "There laid Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand."
The Veneration of the Cross is also common in the Western Church. This is when Christians approach a wooden cross and venerate, often by kneeling before it, or kissing part of the cross. In addition to these traditions, Holy Communion is also received.
Meanwhile, Catholics go through the Stations of the Cross, also called the "Way of the Cross," on Good Friday. This is a devotion in wherein 14 phases of Jesus' suffering is relived. Most Catholic Churches have 14 depictions of Jesus' final hours displayed throughout in church, for use by the public.
Another service started by the Jesuit Alphonso Messia in 1732, now less common, is the Tre Ore or "Three Hours." This is often held from noon until 3:00 p.m. and consists of seven sermons on the seven last words of Christ. This service has been popular in many Protestant churches.
On the other hand, eastern Churches have different customs for the day they call "the Great Friday." The Orthodox Church begins the day with Matins (morning prayer), where the "Twelve Gospels" is chanted, which consists of 12 passages drawn from the Passion narratives.
In the morning, the "Little Hours" follow one after the other, consisting of Gospel, Epistle, and Prophet readings. Vespers (evening prayer) ends with a solemn veneration of the epitaphion, an embroidered veil containing scenes of Christ's burial. Compline (night prayer) includes a lamentation placed on the Virgin Mary's lips. On Good Friday night, a symbolic burial of Christ is performed.
Traditionally, Chaldean and Syrian Christians cease using their customary Shlama greeting ("peace be with you") on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, because Judas greeted Christ this way. They use the phrase "The light of God be with your departed ones" instead. In Russia, the tradition is to bring out a silver coffin, bearing a cross, and surrounded with candles and flowers.
The faithful walk on their knees and kiss and venerate the image of Christ's body painted on the "winding sheet" (shroud).
In the Philippines, Good Friday or "Biyernes Santo" is commemorated with solemn street processions, the Way of the Cross, Jesus' Seven Last Words or "Siete Palabras," and traditional passion play or the "Senakulo."
After 3 p.m. (the time Jesus is believed to have died), all noise and merrymaking are discouraged and the faithful is urged to keep a solemn and prayer disposition. The statue of the dead Christ or the Santo Entierro is borne on a decorated funeral carriage which is brought around the community and back to the church to be venerated by the faithful.
Meanwhile, the marathon chanting or "pabasa" of the pasyon, the epic narrative of Christ's life, passion, death, and resurrection usually concludes on this day.
Indeed, Filipinos love reflecting on the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus through the many practices during Holy Week.
But the passion narratives are not only about Jesus' suffering and death. Instead, it tells us more about Jesus' life and passion for love, and about his reaching out to bring his Father's mercy to save us from our sins…and this is the goodness of Good Friday.