What’s Good About It?
“But he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
I remember growing up wondering why Good Friday was labeled “good.” As the solemn day when Christians observe Christ’s crucifixion and death on Calvary, I couldn’t understand why we would call it good.
Good Friday highlights a tragic event in which Jesus suffered a cruel and unjust death as He sacrificed Himself for the sins of humanity. Not only did He suffer and die that day, but He was betrayed by one of His best friends and abandoned by most of the friends He loved and trusted. Great sorrow was brought to all those who witnessed this terrible event.
And yet, because we know the purpose behind this great sacrifice and the joy to come just three days later, we can truly see it as a “good” day.
A Good Day
On Good Friday, we come together as Christians throughout the world to remember Christ’s Passion. After being tried by religious leaders and the local authority, no one could find adequate grounds to prosecute, let alone execute, Jesus. Despite finding Him innocent, Pontius Pilate eventually condemned Him to death to please the crowds, washing his hands to show he wanted nothing to do with Jesus.
Jesus was flogged, made to carry His heavy Cross to Golgotha, and was crucified. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church articulates, “Death is transformed by Christ” (CCC 1009). Since He endured a gruesome death, we can enter eternal life with Him following our own deaths. Despite His suffering, this day is marked as a “good” day because it was the day Jesus died for our sins.
We now understand that to die in Christ is to live a new life. His redeeming act of self-love and sacrifice allows us to receive salvation. That was His earthly mission.
Solemnly Celebrating Good Friday
Today, as Catholic women in business, there are many ways we can solemnly celebrate Good Friday to honor Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. One of the best ways to thank the Lord for His ultimate gift of our salvation is attending the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at your local parish or one close to your place of work. We have the special opportunity to venerate the Cross during this service, giving us the chance to truly thank Jesus for His Passion and death.
Participating in the Stations of the Cross or other offerings at your local parish on Good Friday is another wonderful opportunity to connect with Christ. You have the chance to meditate on the Way of the Cross and reflect on what it may have been like to witness that day.
Fasting and abstinence are also crucial ways to honor this day. Abstaining from meat and limiting your consumption to one meal allows you to focus your desires on the Lord and on prayer. If you are in a season where fasting is not possible — such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or battling an illness — consider fasting from something else, like cream and sugar in your coffee, social media, music, or other daily pleasures.
Lastly, the best way to honor this day is to spend time with the Lord in prayer. Especially if you are unable to make it to church today or have a busy work or home schedule, dedicating some time to sitting with Our Lord at the foot of the Cross is a great way to honor Him today. Read the daily Scripture readings and meditate on what it might be like to walk alongside Him and sit at His feet.
As business leaders or owners, consider if it’s possible to close today or take this day off to allow yourself and your team members the chance to solemnly celebrate the Lord’s Passion. If it’s not possible to take this day off, consider spending time during lunch in prayer, or use your commute time to listen to the daily Scriptures.
Hope in What is to Come
As Catholics, we are an Easter people, and we know that death does not get the last word. Good Friday is not the end of the story. We have hope in the Resurrection just three days later. If you are struggling with your own heavy cross today, allow yourself to walk alongside Jesus and believe in the hope to come. Trust that He will help you carry your cross and bring you to the joy and hope of the Resurrection.
Marisa McDonald is a wife and mother living in Central Indiana. She has previously worked for various nonprofit spaces in fundraising, development, and strategy and is actively involved on boards within her community. A creative homemaker, Marisa is making the most of each day cherishing loved ones.