The Good Friday liturgy celebrates Christ's triumph over death through his crucifixion. The ministers will enter in solemn silence and kneel before the altar to commemorate the solemn events. The first reading from Isaiah depicts Jesus as the suffering servant who obeys God and finds ultimate triumph through his suffering. The second reading from Hebrews explains that Christ's death did away with animal sacrifices and that through his humanity and divinity he is the perfect mediator between God and humanity. The passion story will then be proclaimed to move the congregation with Christ's love for humanity. Before venerating the cross, the congregation is asked whether they will do so with love or betrayal. After, the Eucharist is brought to

1. Good Friday Liturgy -04.
Introduction before the service begins:
The world looks for miracles and wisdom, yet here we are celebrating a crucified Christ.
We are not here to mourn his death but to celebrate his triumph. So the vestments are
blood-red in honour of the victory of Christ, the first martyr.
The ministers will enter in solemn silence. As they prostrate themselves before the altar,
we kneel in silence before the awesome events we celebrate.
Introduction to the First Reading:
Centuries before Christ, Isaiah paints a detailed picture of Jesus, the suffering servant of
Yahweh. Obedience is his greatest virtue, and the reason for his ultimate triumph. The
heroism of the servant is even more dramatic because his suffering is life giving.
Introduction to the Second Reading:
Christ’s saving death has done away with the Old Testament animal sacrifices. Since he
is human, he knows our weaknesses and his divine nature spurs and challenges us
towards the Father. He is the perfect mediator because we share a common human nature
and he shares with us his divinity.
Introduction to the Singing of the Passion:
The story of Jesus, condemned to death and crucified, will now be proclaimed. As we
listen we will no doubt be moved by his love for us, just as he says: A man can have no
greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.
Before the Veneration of the Cross
‘Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’
A kiss is a sign of affection and love and not of betrayal. Very soon we will be touching
our lips to the sacred image of Christ. Will we do it with love or with a sense of betrayal?
After the Veneration of the Cross:
The Eucharist will now be brought to the altar so that we may share in the death-
resurrection mystery. Strengthened by his food, we shall fight against sin and continue
our journey towards heaven now opened to us by the crucified Saviour. In silence we
shall prepare our hearts to receive him, with the greatest love possible.
Announcement before the Service Concludes:
The Easter Vigil Service begins tomorrow at 11am. We shall gather directly in the church
courtyard for the blessing of the fire. You are kindly requested to bring along a candle for
the service.
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