A Time Called…Good Friday

 A woman lamented the poor attendance of church members at her church’s Good Friday worship:   “If we can’t even bear the cost of one hour to hear the story of Jesus’ death, how can we begin to consider and how can we begin to fathom the cost he bore for us, and how deeply we are loved?”

Historical Roots of Good Friday

Good Friday
S. Rumak 2007

In the early church, Good Friday was a day for fasting in preparation for the great festival of Easter. By the late 4th century, a service existed with readings from Isaiah and Hebrews, and the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial and death, as well as prayers and devotion to the cross.

Finding Meaning in the Tradition

On this dark day, we know that Jesus will be raised. But giving the events their own day, and hearing again the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, reminds us that new life comes at great cost and by way of a cross – this cross.  Part of our Christian identity is given to us on this day, giving us the courage to face the pain, suffering, and injustice in our lives and in our world. Seeing those things through the Good Friday story, we glimpse the promise of Easter