Good Friday

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[Salvation]

Good Friday

Today the whole Church mourns the death of our Savior. This is traditionally a day of sadness, spent in fasting and prayer. The title for this day varies in different part of the world: "Holy Friday" for Latin nations, Slavs and Hungarians call it "Great Friday," in Germany it is "Friday of Mourning," and in Norway, it is "Long Friday." Some view the term "Good Friday" (used in English and Dutch) as a corruption of the term "God's Friday." This is another obligatory day of fasting and abstinence. In Ireland, they practice the "black fast," which is to consume nothing but black tea and water.

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Liturgy

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Following the ancient tradition of the Church, there are no sacraments celebrated on Good Friday nor Holy Saturday. "Celebration of the Lord's Passion," traditionally known as the "Mass of the Presanctified," (although it is not a mass) is usually celebrated around three o'clock in the afternoon, or later, depending on the needs of the parish,

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.

In part one, the Liturgy of the Word, we hear the most famous of the Suffering Servant passages from Isaiah (52:13-53:12), a pre-figurement of Christ on Good Friday. Psalm 30 is the Responsorial Psalm "Father, I put my life in your hands." The Second Reading, or Epistle, is from the letter to the Hebrews, 4:14-16; 5:7-9. The Gospel Reading is the Passion of St. John.

The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. The ten intercessions cover these areas:

For the Church For the Pope For the clergy and laity of the Church For those preparing for baptism For the unity of Christians

For the Jewish people For those who do not believe in Christ For those who do not believe in God For all in public office For those in special need

Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross "on which hung the Savior of the world." During this time the "Reproaches" are usually sung or recited.

Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord's Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboriums containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei ("This is the Lamb of God") are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a "Prayer After Communion," and then a "Prayer Over the People," and everyone departs in silence.
 

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Devotions

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Three Hours Devotion
This day is usually spent in silence, prayer and meditation. From noon to 3:00 p.m., many churches celebrate a "Three Hours Devotion," to commemorate the time Jesus hung and died on the cross. This devotion usually includes meditations on the Seven Last Words. The Stations of the Cross are also an appropriate devotion during this time.

Seven Last Words
These are the recorded words of Christ spoke during his three hours on a cross. These are a great source for meditation on the Passion and Death of Christ.

1. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! (Luke 24:34)
2. This day thou shall be with me in Paradise. (Luke 24:43)
3. Woman, behold thy son.... Behold thy mother. (John 19:26, 27)
4. My God, My God! why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:26; Mark 15:34)
5. I thirst! (John 19:28)
6. It is finished. (John 19:30)
7. Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 24:46)

Prayer Before A Crucifix
This is a traditional prayer that is appropriate to pray on this day:

Behold, O good and sweetest Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity,
with true repentance for my sins,
and a most firm desire of amendment:
while with deep affection and grief of soul I
consider within myself and mentally contemplate
Your five most precious Wounds, having before
my eyes that which David, the prophet,
long ago spoke in Your own person concerning You, My Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and my feet,
they have numbered all my bones."

The Divine Mercy Novena
Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. She was canonized on April 30, 2000, the Sunday after Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of Himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o'clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy).

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Hymns

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Since this is a day of mourning, remembering Christ's death, Good Friday is not typically a day of songs and hymns. During the Veneration of the Cross, the following Antiphon and verses known as "The Reproaches" (Improperia) are sung. Individual parts are indicated by no. 1 (first choir) and no. 2 (second choir); parts sung by both choirs together are indicated by nos. 1 and 2.

The Reproaches (Improperia)

Antiphon  1 and 2:
We worship you, Lord,
we venerate your cross,
we praise your resurrection.
1:  Through the cross
you brought joy to the world.

1: (Psalm 66:2)
May God be gracious and bless us;
and let his face shed its light upon us.

Repeat Antiphon by 1 and 2:

The Reproaches:

I.

1 and 2:  My people, what have I done to you
How have I offended you? Answer me!

1:  I led you out of Egypt,
from slavery to freedom,
but you led your Savior to the cross.

2: My people, what have I done to you?
How have I offended you? Answer me!

1: Holy is God!
2: Holy and strong!
1: Holy immortal One, have mercy on us!

1 and 2: For forty years I led you
safely through the desert.
I fed you with manna from heaven,ù
and brought you to a land of plenty;
but you led your Savior to the cross.

Repeat "Holy is God..."

1 and 2: What more could I have done for you.
I planted you as my fairest vine,
but you yielded only bitterness:
when I was thirsty you gave me vinegar to drink,
and you pierced your Savior with a lance.

Repeat "Holy is God..."

II.

1: For your sake I scourged your captors
and their firstborn sons,
but you brought your scourges down on me.

(Repeated throughout by Choir 2)
2: My people, what have I done to you?
How have I offended you? Answer me!

1: I led you from slavery to freedom
and drowned your captors in the sea,
but you handed me over to your high priests.
2: "My people...."

1: I opened the sea before you,
but you opened my side with a spear.
2: "My people...."

1: I led you on your way in a pillar of cloud,
but you led me to Pilate's court.
2: "My people...."

1: I bore you up with manna in the desert,
but you struck me down and scourged me.
2: "My people...."

1: I gave you saving water from the rock,
but you gave me gall and vinegar to drink.
2: "My people...."

1: For you I struck down the kings of Canaan.
but you struck my head with a reed.
2: "My people...."

1: I gave you a royal scepter,
but you gave me a crown of thorns.
2: "My people...."

1: I raised you to the height of majesty,
but you have raised me high on a cross.
2: "My people...."

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Activities

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This is a day of mourning. We should try to take time off from work and school to participate in the devotions and liturgy of the day as much as possible. In addition, we should refrain from extraneous conversation. Some families leave the curtains drawn, and maintain silence during the 3 hours (noon — 3p.m.), and keep from loud conversation or activities throughout the remainder of the day. We should also restrict ourselves from any TV, music or computer—these are all types of technology that can distract us from the spirit of the day.

If some members of the family cannot attend all the services, a little home altar can be set up, by draping a black or purple cloth over a small table or dresser and placing a crucifix and candles on it. The family then can gather during the three hours, praying different devotions like the rosary, Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy devotions, and meditative reading and prayers on the passion of Christ.

Although throughout Lent we have tried to mortify ourselves, it is appropriate to try some practicing extra mortifications today. These can be very simple, such as eating less at the small meals of fasting, or eating standing up. Some people just eat bread and soup, or just bread and water while standing at the table.
 

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Recipes

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This is a day of fasting and abstinence. Hot cross buns have been the traditional Good Friday English food since 1361. The cross made on top of the bun was a reminder of the day Christ died. Unfortunately, the recipe we now have seems to be more of a dessert than a nutritious item, which really defeats the purpose of the buns. Purists don't add the the icing as it is considered a newer addition and a "treat".

Hot Cross Buns

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105°-115º)
3-1/2-4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1/2 cup warm milk (105°-115ºº)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
1/3 cup dark raisins
Confectioners' Icing (optional)

Glaze
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, and warm milk. Mix thoroughly. Add salt, nutmeg, cloves, and yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly. Knead in orange peel, raisins, and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth—about 10 minutes.

Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in warm place until double—about 1 hour. Punch down dough. Shape into balls of equal size. Make glaze and brush on loaf. If desired, use scissors to snip a cross pattern on top of buns. Bake in a preheated 350° oven about 20-30 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack. Optional: frost with Confectioner's Icing, making a cross on top of each bun.

Confectioners' Icing
1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk

Mix thoroughly. Before icing, cool bread slightly. Place bread on wire rack. Slip waxed paper under rack. (This makes for easy clean up.) With spoon, drizzle icing over each bun (lengthwise and crosswise), forming crosses.
(©1982 Kathy Cutler, The Festive Bread Book).

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[Salvation]

For your information and comments.

[Salvation]

Hot Cross Buns
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105°-115º)
3-1/2-4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1/2 cup warm milk (105°-115ºº)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
1/3 cup dark raisins
Confectioners' Icing (optional)
Glaze
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, and warm milk. Mix thoroughly. Add salt, nutmeg, cloves, and yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly. Knead in orange peel, raisins, and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth—about 10 minutes.

Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in warm place until double—about 1 hour. Punch down dough. Shape into balls of equal size. Make glaze and brush on loaf. If desired, use scissors to snip a cross pattern on top of buns. Bake in a preheated 350° oven about 20-30 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack. Optional: frost with Confectioner's Icing, making a cross on top of each bun.



Confectioners' Icing
1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk

Mix thoroughly. Before icing, cool bread slightly. Place bread on wire rack. Slip waxed paper under rack. (This makes for easy clean up.) With spoon, drizzle icing over each bun (lengthwise and crosswise), forming crosses.
(©1982 Kathy Cutler, The Festive Bread Book).

[Salvation]

[GirlShortstop]

This is a day of fasting and abstinence. Hot cross buns have been the traditional Good Friday English food since 1361.

I have some learning to do.  Observing Good Friday includes fasting.  When are the buns eaten, tomorrow?

Another question I hope can be cleared up for me:  "Following the ancient tradition of the Church, there are no sacraments celebrated on Good Friday nor Holy Saturday."  An in-law of a friend is converting to Catholicism and as I understood it, the RCIA candidates become members of The Church during the Easter Vigil (officially?).  Will there be sacraments?  Thanks in advance for some insight.

[Salvation]

**Observing Good Friday includes fasting. When are the buns eaten, tomorrow?**

I always served them with clam chowder or oyster stew on Good Friday. (My family didn't like the oyster stew, however!) LOL!

[Salvation]

** An in-law of a friend is converting to Catholicism and as I understood it, the RCIA candidates become members of The Church during the Easter Vigil (officially?). Will there be sacraments?**

Congratulations. Yes, it is a full and beautiful Vigil Mass! One of my favorites. I lean toward Holy Thursday because of the servant image of Jesus Christ in washing the feet of the apostles. The Vigil Mass would be my second choice.

But I am the lector tonight at the Good Friday service. (Only day in the church year when there is no Mass.)

Liturgy of the Word
Veneration of the Cross
Holy Communion

[Desdemona]

Another question I hope can be cleared up for me: "Following the ancient tradition of the Church, there are no sacraments celebrated on Good Friday nor Holy Saturday." An in-law of a friend is converting to Catholicism and as I understood it, the RCIA candidates become members of The Church during the Easter Vigil (officially?). Will there be sacraments? Thanks in advance for some insight.

A couple things. Noon is sort of the cutoff for confession. There can be confession after this. The Easter Vigil is celebrated after dark. In recent years this has been movedd up. It used to start at 10:30 or so and the sacraments were after midnight, thus making it a real vigil.

There will be sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This is part of the liturgy itself. There just are none, other than confession, outside of the Easter Vigil

[GirlShortstop]

My family didn't like the oyster stew, however!) LOL!

LOL, it's the *good stuff* they wanted?!
Thank you both very much for taking time to fill me in. My mother, may she rest in peace with our Lord, was always my foremost "source", and my sisters weren't available to answer my questions.
Have a Blessed Easter!

[Cleburne]

"I thirst": He Who is the Well of Life, the Giver of the Water of Life, bore our thirst- He thirsted, and cryed out for a drink- for a mere sip to quench His lips. He who gives us piteous men of Himself to drink- Who pours out the Living Water of the Holy Spirit upon us, to quench our thirst, when we are unable to offer anything to Him but vinegar and bitterness. But our bitternest He cleanses, casting His wood in our sour and awful water. Our stench He sanctifies into pleasing incenses- our sin He has covered, and our death He has conquered.

O! worthy, worthy, forever worthy, is the Lamb Who was slain, and taketh away the sins of the world!

[Salvation]

Our priest last night (visiting from Goa diocese in India, talked about the last seven sentences that Christ spole from the Cross. It was the best homily on Good Friday that I can remember!

"I thirst" was one of them, but he placed it in the same category with "My God, my God, why have You abandoned Me?"

[Salvation]

BTTT on Good Friday, 2005

[Salvation]

BTTT for Good Friday, 2006