On Good Friday

"Unless there is no Good Friday in your life, there can be no Sunday."

-Fulton Sheen

Today is the day marking the death of Christ on the cross.  It is the only day of the year that Mass is not celebrated.  The altar remains bare from being stripped after the Holy Thursday Mass.  The Veneration of the Cross is a humbling experience -- especially when realizing that his death was at the same time for all of us, and also for each of us. 


It always struck me that the stock market closes to honor Good Friday, as few other secular businesses do so.  I can remember seeing Discount Tire in Tacoma, which closes from noon-3 pm on Good Friday.  Typically, unless you recognize Good Friday in your faith, it isn't typically marked. 


A friend of mine, Fr. Robert Fath, updated his Facebook status with this:

On this last stage of our Lenten journey we are encouraged even more by the liturgy to deepen our knowledge of Jesus, to contemplate his suffering and merciful face, and to prepare ourselves to experience the splendor of his resurrection. We cannot remain on the surface. We must have a deep, personal experience of the richness of Christ's love. 

The past few days have had both great joy and great sadness in the life of our family.  The promise of the Resurrection gives us hope facing the suffering and death of our Lord today.  And it's an awesome opportunity to embrace our own suffering to unite it with his. 

Please especially pray for the soul and family of Rick Schmitt, who passed away yesterday. 

If you have time, the last Good Friday homily by Fulton Sheen before his death -- entitled "His Last Words" is beautiful.  And of course, as with all things now, he is available on YouTube.  

Wishing you a blessed Good Friday.