Good Friday is the day on which
Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Catholics are joined by
almost all other Christians in solemn commemoration on this day. It is also a
legal holiday around much of the world.
According to the gospels, Jesus
was betrayed by Judas on the night of the Last Supper, commemorated on Holy
Thursday. The morning following Christ's arrest, he was brought before Annas, a
powerful Jewish cleric. Annas condemned Jesus for blasphemy for refusing to
repudiate Annas' words that He was the Son of God. From there, Jesus was sent
to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the province. Pontius Pilate
questioned Jesus but found no reason to condemn Him. Instead, he suggested
Jewish leaders deal with Jesus according to their own law. But under Roman law,
they could not execute Jesus, so they appealed to Pilate to issue the order to
kill Jesus. Pilate appealed to King Herod, who found no guilt in Jesus and sent
Him back to Pilate once again. Pilate declared Jesus to be innocent, and washed
his hands to show that he wanted nothing to do with Jesus, but the crowds were
enraged. To prevent a riot and to protect his station, Pilate reluctantly
agreed to execute Jesus and sentenced him to crucifixion. Jesus was convicted
of proclaiming himself to be the King of the Jews.
Before his execution, Jesus was
flogged, which was a customary practice intended to weaken a victim before
crucifixion. Crucifixion was an especially painful method of execution and was
perfected by the Romans as such. It was reserved for the worst criminals, and
generally Roman citizens, women, and soldiers were exempt in most cases. During
his flogging, the soldiers tormented Jesus, crowning Him with thorns and
ridicule. Following his flogging, Jesus was compelled to carry his cross to the
place of His execution, at Calvary. During his walk to the site of His
execution, Jesus fell three times and the Roman guards randomly selected Simon,
a Cyrene, to help Jesus. After arrival at Calvary, Jesus was nailed to the
cross and crucified between two thieves. One of the thieves repented of his
sins and accepted Christ while on the cross beside Him. A titulus, or sign, was
posted above Christ to indicate His supposed crime. The titulus read,
"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." It is commonly abbreviated in Latin
as "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum). During Christ's last few
hours on the cross, darkness fell over the whole land. Jesus was given a sponge
with sour wine mixed with gall, a weak, bitter painkiller often given to
crucified victims.
Prior to death, Jesus spoke His
last words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This line is
the opening of Psalm 22, and it may have been common practice to recite lines
of songs to deliver a greater message. Properly understood, the last words of
Christ were triumphant. Guards then lanced Jesus' side to ensure He was dead. At
the moment of Christ's death, an earthquake occurred, powerful enough to open
tombs. The long, thick curtain at the Temple was said to have torn from top to
bottom. Following the incredible events of the day, the body of Christ was
removed from the cross and laid in a donated tomb, buried according to custom. The
events of Good Friday are commemorated in the Stations of the Cross, a 14-step
devotion often performed by Catholics during Lent and especially on Good
Friday. The Stations of the Cross are commonly recited on Wednesdays and
Fridays during Lent. Another devotional, the Acts of Reparation, may also be
prayed.
Good Friday is a day of fasting
within the Church. Traditionally, there is no Mass and no celebration of the
Eucharist on Good Friday. A liturgy may still be performed and communion, if
taken, comes from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. Baptism, penance, and
anointing of the sick may be performed, but only in unusual circumstances. Church
bells are silent. Altars are left bare. he solemn, muted atmosphere is
preserved until the Easter Vigil.
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