Good Friday, April 19, 2019

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:  1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given. 

Good Friday is the most somber day of the entire year. A silence pervades, socializing is kept to a minimum, things are done quietly; it is a day of mourning; it is a funeral. Traditional Catholics wear black, cover their mirrors, extinguish candles and any lamps burning before icons, keep amusements and distractions down, and go about the day in great solemnity.

Because Jesus was on the Cross between the hours of Noon and 3:00 PM, these three hours today are considered the most sacred of all. A devotion by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary etc. can be said.  At 3:00, "The Hour" He died, the atmosphere should be as if you are standing next to the deathbed of a loved one.

Though a somber atmosphere will last until the Easter Vigil, after "The Hour" (3:00 PM) passes, it eases a bit, and life can go back to a "somber normal." The phone can be put back on the hook, etc., but music shouldn't be played, raucous games should be eliminated, etc., while Christ is "in His Tomb" -- i.e., until after Vigil of Holy Saturday when Eastertide officially begins.

The altar is completely bare, with no cloths, candles nor cross. The service is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. The priest and deacons wear red or black vestments. The liturgy starts with the priests and deacons going to the altar in silence and prostrating themselves for a few moments in silent prayer, then an introductory prayer is prayed.  Although throughout Lent we have tried to mortify ourselves, it is appropriate to try some practicing extra mortifications today. Divine Mercy Novena begins today.

As to foods, Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten for breakfast on this day, and are about the only luxury afforded in this time of mourning. It is customary, because of the Cross on the buns, to kiss them before eating, and to share one of these Hot Cross Buns with someone, reciting these words:

“Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be.”

Scripture ...
Luke 23:44-49

Reflections ...

An unnatural darkness fell upon the land from noon to three in the afternoon. Luke explains, “The sun’s light failed” (Luke 23:45a). This profound darkness marked the judgment of mankind’s sins, the bitter darkness of hell. At Jesus’ death at the end of those three hours, the curtain of the temple was torn in two: a powerful sign for the Jewish rulers. Throughout the Old Testament this curtain symbolized the separation sin had caused between God and humanity. In Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, that boundary of sin is completely removed, and we have direct access to God through Jesus (see Hebrews 9:11-12).

With His Heavenly Father’s anger stilled, our salvation secured, and His work completed, Jesus cries out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” and He breathes His last. The centurion, seeing how Jesus suffered and died, and the signs that accompanied His death (see Matthew 27:51-53), praises God, and proclaims Jesus’ innocence. Clearly, Jesus was no criminal, and He didn’t deserve to be executed with them.

Luke next points us to the crowds standing nearby. Having seen the darkness and the other signs accompanying Jesus’ death, they return home beating their breasts. This Jewish sign of regret and sorrow shows they knew a guiltless man had been put to death. They cease to be spectators and become repentant Jews, ripe for Peter’s wondrous sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-24).  Finally, at a distance, stand some of Jesus’ acquaintances and faithful women who had followed Him from Galilee. In the coming days they will play an important role in our story.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, the miracles that accompanied Your death proved that You are indeed the Son of God, Savior of the world. Strengthen my faith that I may always trust in Your all-sufficient ransom for my sins. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Don't underestimate the power of your prayers. If that's all you've got to give today, I can tell you, it's more than enough.. 

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY