Good Friday To You...

Good Friday is a Holy Day (or “holiday”) celebrated by many Christians around the world. Followers of Jesus Christ recognize Good Friday as the day when Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb outside Jerusalem.

Most Christian denominations believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days later on what is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, referred to by some as “Resurrection Day.” The events of Jesus’ conviction, his beating by Roman guards, and his rejection by friends and enemies add to the meaning of Good Friday.

Some believe that “Good Friday” is a variation of the expression “God Friday,” while others accept the holiday name with the meaning that the Friday before Easter is “good” for those who follow Jesus Christ and share the hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him.

So, Good Friday is a day of reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It occurs two days before Easter is celebrated, which makes the actual date of Good Friday different each year. Unlike other days that are considered holy by Christians, Good Friday is never “celebrated.” Instead, it is observed with a number of different ceremonies in different parts of Christianity.

Most Christian congregations hold either prayers, meetings or gatherings in churches on Good Friday, but in most cases, it is not considered mandatory to attend these meetings. Even in the Catholic Church, no one is obligated to attend Mass on Good Friday, in fact, a true Mass does not take place. There is usually no communion, but usually a reading of the New Testament account of Christ’s crucifixion, and many prayers.

Also, for Catholics, Good Friday is sometimes a day of fasting. Especially during the three hours between 12pm and 3 pm. For Christians who observe Good Friday, the day is one to reflect on the sacrifice Christ made so that all people would be welcomed into heaven.

While many may read the parts of the New Testament dealing with Christ’s death, some find this part of the New Testament extremely tragic and almost overwhelming. In places like Poland, "representations of the tomb of Christ may be set up and people may spend the night mourning Christ’s death at them."

Some people also argue that the focus on Christ’s death on Good Friday is only important in so far that it allows people to understand that Christ rose from the dead. The actual crucifixion is far less important and diverts focus from the life of Christ. They would say that putting emphasis on the crucifixion and accounts of it tend to focus on the evil done to Christ rather than the good Christ did.

In many countries, Good Friday is a national holiday. Banks may close, and "it’s not uncommon in predominantly Catholic countries for all businesses, like pubs and restaurants to close" as well. This is the case in Ireland, where drinking on Good Friday is considered "sacrilege."

In the United States, it varies as to what businesses are opened or closed. Most school districts close on Good Friday, but this varies from district to district. If the district is located in an area with a large population of Catholics or Christians who attend church services on the day, normally schools will close because too many children would be absent. Catholic and Christian schools almost always close on Good Friday.

Good Friday is a special day to some and others do not change anything in their daily schedules or routine to recognize the day. Whatever it is you do or don't do, I hope that Good Friday is truly a Good Friday for you. And just a note, I will be discussing the Easter holiday and the meaning of Easter in my upcoming posts. Have a great start to the weekend.