What's good about Good Friday? According to Christian tradition, it is the day that Jesus was crucified. Imagine the anguish of the Apostles and other followers watching the life drain from the body of their Messiah. It is doubtful that those witnesses dubbed the day Good Friday.

Modern believers, separated by centuries from the actual crucifixion, have come to see the goodness in Good Friday.

"It's called Good Friday because this is the day that Jesus made the supreme sacrifice for all who believe in him," James Parker said. "On the actual day, I'm sure the sadness was unbearable, but since that time, we've come to realize what Christ did for us. He died for our sins. What could someone do for you that's greater than that?"

Elizabeth Adger spends a portion of Good Friday in prayer and meditation. She would like to isolate herself from the world for the entire day, but her obligations deny her that luxury.

"I think everybody, or at least every Christian, ought to stop and just think about the Lord today (Good Friday)," Adger said. "We need to consider that God sacrificed his son on this day, so that we could have eternal life. I don't think it's too much to take a day and keep our prayers and thoughts on that. But there are too many demands on my time for me to do what I think I should do today."

Many churches celebrate a three-hour devotion to commemorate the time Jesus hung and died on the cross. This devotion usually includes meditations on the Seven Last Words and/or the Stations of the Cross. Holy Trinity Catholic Church holds such a devotion which has traditionally been well attended.

Fr. Michael Polewczak of Holy Trinity invites ministers from various denominations to illuminate the words and stations and issues an open invitation to all who want to attend the service.

"I appreciate the ecumenical quality of this service," Iris Arant-Kittrell said. "We're all one in Christ. That's what's so important on this day. Good Friday is indicative of the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. Every year this is a reminder and renews what Christianity means to me."

For Susan Flintom, also an attendee of The Seven Last Words and The Stations of the Cross at Holy Trinity, hearing the words and being reminded of Christ's suffering are spiritual strengthening girding her courage and resolve.

"I lost a child seven years ago, and hearing this ceremony is so comforting," Flintom said. "It makes you reflect on what Christ did for us and puts in perspective how we can incorporate that love in our lives. This ceremony reminds you that Christ is there for us, with open arms."

For Catherine Jamison, Holy Trinity's Good Friday liturgy has been a personal tradition for more than five years. She finds the beauty of the event both moving and thought provoking.

"I leave this ceremony with a different feeling and different thoughts every time I come," Jamison said. "I came here this year looking for something, some kind of comfort from worrying about my young cousin in the Army in Iraq. But now I know he'll be fine. I kept thinking as the preachers were talking, 'Jesus lives. He lives.' That's what this whole season is all about. Yes, he died on the cross on Good Friday. But we've got to remember that on Easter Sunday, he rose. He was resurrected. That's the reason to celebrate. That's the lesson."

T&D Staff Writer Thomas Brown can be reached by e-mail at tbrown@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5532.

You must be logged in to comment.