GOOD FRIDAY: CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #40

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/goodfri.html

GOOD FRIDAY: CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #40

The second ritual of the Triduum. We find ourselves between Eucharists, on a day when "according to the Church's ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated." As with Passion (Palm) Sunday, the focus today is on the proclamation of the Passion, though just as on last Sunday, the popular focus for many people is on a secondary rite; in this case, the veneration of the cross. Planning should recognize that popular focus but still find ways of calling attention to the Passion narrative in the Fourth Gospel.

Isaiah 52:13–53:12. The "fourth song of the servant" repeats the image of the "lamb" from Holy Thursday's first reading, and it adds terrible details of the pain borne by the "man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity." Though all the details don't fit the story of Jesus' own suffering (for instance, he had no direct descendants), this song has helped us interpret Jesus' Passion as a redemptive act. Certainly "by his stripes we were healed."

Psalm of the Day: Ps (30) 31

An individual lament that reveals immense trust in God. As used by the church, it is placed on the lips of Jesus to express his trust in God even on the cross.

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9. Though he was not a member of the priestly tribe of Levi, Jesus is described in the Letter to the Hebrews as "a great high priest" who has broken the mold of priestly identity. As the "source of eternal salvation for all who obey him," he has the right to appropriate any title that helps us to understand what that salvation might mean for us.

John 18:1–19:42. Like Matthew (see Passion Sunday Year A), John presents Jesus as in charge of his own destiny. John goes farther, however, showing Jesus as totally in control of what happens to him, almost manipulating people into the pattern that will lead to his death. Jesus is the equal of all who address him, speaking on even terms with the high priest and the Roman governor. Note the anti-Jewish feeling in John's narrative. This stems from several events that preceded the final form of this Gospel: the expulsion of some Christians from the synagogues, in some places, and their denunciation as heretics; the first persecutions of Christians by Roman officials, which encouraged the Gospel writers to play down Roman involvement in Jesus' death; and particularly a theology of Jesus' death which included a belief that he died for the sins of the people, that is, for his own Jewish community, though many Jews did not accept him or his sacrifice. Misunderstood, such anti-Jewish sentiments were used in the past to justify persecutions, pogroms, and even the Holocaust.

Gathering Song: Silence
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31: Father, I put my life in your hands. (CC-23)
Gospel Acc: None
General Intercessions: O God Hear Us(CC-200)
Procession with Cross: Behold the wood of the cross(CC-274)
Veneration of the Cross: Behold the Lamb of God (CC-262)
Procession with Blessed Sacrament/Dressing of Altar: ???
Return Procession with Blessed Sacrament: ???
Com1: O Sacred Head (CC-269)
Com2: Now we remain (CC-455)
Com3: Pieta (see sheet)
Recessional: Silence