Good Friday, anniversary of Jesus' death on the
cross. According to the Gospels, Jesus was put to death on the Friday before
Easter Day. Since the early church Good Friday has been observed by fasting and
penance. It is a day of sorrow
for Christians. Observed this Friday just before Easter, it is a public holiday in
all over the world.
The origin of the word is not exactly clear. Some say it is really the German
translation of God's Friday (Gottes Freitag) . Others say it was supposed to be
a "good" day for mankind because now they had a chance to escape hell.
Despite—indeed because of—its sadness, Good Friday is truly good. Its sorrow is
a godly sorrow. It is like the sadness of the Corinthians who wept over the
sharp letter from their dear teacher, Paul, convicted of the sin in their midst.
Hearing of their distress, Paul said, "My joy was greater than ever." Why?
Because such godly sorrow "brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves
no regret" (2 Cor. 7:10).
According to Christian fairy
tale, Jesus Christ hailed from Nazareth, a town in modern Israel. Jesus
was famous to many people by the name of son of god. He always gave his
affection to poor people. Some high officials and Jewish priests however felt that he was trying to
grab their authority and
give
the wrong impression to the people. They thought a plot against Christ with the help of one of his 12
apostles. On charges of misleading the people, of instigating them not to pay
taxes to the emperor, and of claiming to be the messenger of god, they arrested
Christ.
And huge him on a wooden cross was placed on his shoulders, and he carried it to the place assigned for his crucifixion. A group of his followers marched in a procession behind him, in a show of solidarity. Two criminals were also led to the same place to be put to death with Jesus.
The Good Friday started at midnight on Thursday, but some other Christians it starts on Friday morning. A
piece
of wood, in
place of the cross on which Christ was crucified is displayed in churches for the veneration of believers. One by one, they come and kiss it. |
