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Learn about the Stations of the Cross >> Good Friday, the second day of the Triduum, is the solemn
remembrance of Jesus' death on the cross. The name "Good Friday" is a
corruption of "God's Friday," although the term is a very fitting one since
the Lord's death was for our eternal good. Good Friday worship is marked by austerity and silence. The music of keyboards and instruments is minimized and sometimes even eliminated. The altar, stripped of all appointments, is not used. Instead, one or more lecterns or reading desks serve as the focal point of the service. The passion narrative from the Gospel of John (see John 18:1-19:37) is traditionally the appointed text for this day. The two principal worship services of Good Friday are the Tre Ore and the Tenebrae. Depending on local circumstances, some churches hold a long Good Friday service that starts at noon called the Tre Ore. This worship service is a somber commemoration of the last three hours of our Lord's suffering on the cross. It commonly features homilies, hymns, and other meditations centered on some or all of Christ's seven words from the cross. It may also include Holy Communion. The Tre Ore is designed to conclude at 3 PM (the "ninth hour" of the Passion accounts), the time that Christ gave up His life.
The Tenebrae or Service of Darkness takes place in the evening.
It derives its name from the gradual extinguishing of candles and lights at
various points in the service. The ensuing
darkness is a symbolic recreation of the darkness that covered the land
when our Lord died (see Mark 15:33). Scripture readings and hymns
direct the hearts of the people to repent of the sins that made our Lord's
crucifixion necessary. The last remaining candle (representing Jesus) is
not extinguished like the others, but is carried out of the chancel. The
Service of Darkness ends with the strepitus, a sudden loud noise
caused by the slamming of a book or door. The strepitus symbolizes
the tumultuous earthquake that accompanied the Lord's death (see Matthew
27:46-53) and the shutting of the tomb when He was interred. It also
foreshadows the breaking of the tomb at the Resurrection described in
Matthew 28:2. The Christ candle is then returned to the altar and the
people disperse in silence and darkness. Parts of other ancient liturgies are often incorporated into the Tre Ore or the Tenebrae services . Good Friday services usually contain a unique responsive prayer called the Bidding Prayer. In this special prayer, the pastor leads the congregation in a series of intercessions (called "bids") for the needs of the church and the entire world. Another rite that is sometimes incorporated into Good Friday services is the chanting or reading of an ancient liturgical text known in Latin as the Improperia. These heart-breaking verses, based on Old Testament passages such as Micah 6:3, Psalm 69:21, and Isaiah 5:2 and 4, are a series of stinging accusations brought by Christ against the church for His suffering and death on the cross. These powerful reproaches reveal the many ways that each one of us is responsible for the Lord's crucifixion. Finally, some traditions call for the carrying of a rough wooden cross in slow procession through the sanctuary. Worshipers can offer a sign of adoration such as bowing, kneeling, or touching the cross during the procession. Alternatively, the congregation sings a hymn in praise of Christ's saving work on the cross.In spite of the solemnity of Good Friday
worship, it is not by any means a funeral service for Jesus. It is rather
a time of quiet and serious contemplation on His great saving work. taken with permission from
St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School of Kingsville, MD
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