Good Friday 2023: Check the meaning of “Good Friday” and purpose of the day
Pritinanda Behera
New Delhi: This year’s Good Friday will occur on April 7. It is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. Good Friday is a pivotal day of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday. In a nutshell, Good Friday commemorates Christ’s crucifixion and death. On this day, many Christians remember Christ’s atonement for their sins.
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is remembered as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. It is a sad day of meditation for Christians worldwide, including Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists. Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter, however, the exact day varies from year to year.
Many Christians mark Good Friday through prayer, and some even fast. In the Roman Catholic faith, Good Friday is observed by performing the Stations of the Cross and other spiritual prayers.
What is the meaning of Good Friday?
For Christians, Good Friday is a day to commemorate Jesus’ suffering and death before celebrating his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It serves as a reminder of Christ’s final sacrifice to making amends for humanity’s sins.
Why is it called Good Friday?
Non-Christians may be misled by the term Good Friday, as many believe it is a day of celebration. Yet, it is a day of mourning and introspection. Why is it called Good Friday, if a day remembering the crucifixion does not seem particularly “good”? The roots of the name are yet unknown. Several linguists believe, however, that the name stems from an ancient usage of the word “good,” which meant “holy,” rather than the present connotation of “good” as “something positive.”
What is the purpose of Good Friday?
Good Friday marks the start of the end of Holy Week, the final week of Lent. The final three days of Holy Week are referred to as the “Triduum,” or the “Three Days,” and they remember Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection. The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday or “Maundy Thursday” (the day before Good Friday) and concludes on Easter Sunday evening.
Good Friday is a solemn day for penance and commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice. But, it is the gloom of Good Friday that enables Christians to rejoice in the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
