Good Friday
Friday April 3, 2026
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Readings
- First Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12: A prophetic passage in the Hebrew Bible that describes the suffering of a righteous servant who is despised and rejected by others but ultimately bears their sins and brings healing through his sacrifice. The passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is considered a central text in Christian theology.
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31: These verses include the words spoken by Jesus on the cross as he surrendered his spirit to God. Despite scorn and isolation, my faith in the Lord as my refuge remains unshaken. Entrusting my future to His mercy, I seek His light and salvation, encouraging all to remain steadfast in their hope in the Lord.
- Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 : Jesus is the ultimate high priest who sympathizes with human weakness and has made a perfect sacrifice for sin, thus providing a way for humanity to approach God with confidence. The passage urges readers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus, who has been appointed by God as the source of eternal salvation.
- Gospel: John 18:1-19:42: Jesus, after being betrayed by Judas, was arrested and faced trials before Jewish and Roman leaders, culminating in his crucifixion. Despite Pilate’s hesitation, pressured by Jewish authorities and a manipulated crowd, he consented to Jesus’ death. Jesus was crucified at Golgotha alongside two others. Before his death, he ensured care for his mother and declared his mission fulfilled. His side was pierced, verifying his death. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus buried Jesus in a new tomb, marking the preparation day’s urgency.
Upcoming dates: April 3, 2026, March 26, 2027, April 14, 2028, March 30, 2029, April 19, 2030, April 11, 2031, March 26, 2032, April 15, 2033
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
John 19:30
Themes for Good Friday
On Good Friday, Catholics remember the death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a solemn day of fast and abstinence. Traditionally mass is not celebrated on Good Friday. Instead a service with a reading of the passion of Jesus Christ, veneration of the cross, and distribution of communion (consecrated on Holy Thursday) is held.
Good Friday’s liturgy is profound and rich in themes that resonate with the core of Christian faith and spirituality. Here are some of the central themes derived from the readings:
- Suffering and Sacrifice: The First Reading from Isaiah describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of many. This aligns with the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospel, who undergoes immense suffering and sacrifice on the cross for humanity’s salvation.
- Redemption and Salvation: The readings collectively highlight the theme of redemption. Jesus’ sacrifice is presented as the means through which humanity is redeemed and offered salvation, especially emphasized in the Second Reading from Hebrews, which talks about Jesus as the high priest who offers a perfect sacrifice.
- Unwavering Faith and Trust in God: Psalm 31 reflects Jesus’ trust in God even in the face of death. This theme encourages believers to maintain their faith and trust in God’s plan, especially during trials and sufferings.
- Human Weakness and Divine Mercy: The Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ ability to sympathize with human weakness, urging believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This highlights God’s mercy and compassion towards humanity.
- Fulfillment of Scripture: The events of Good Friday, as narrated in the Gospel according to John, fulfill Old Testament prophecies, including the suffering servant in Isaiah. This theme underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and God’s plan for salvation.
- Love and Forgiveness: Jesus’ actions and words, even in the midst of suffering, reflect divine love and the call to forgiveness. This is a powerful message for believers to emulate in their lives.
- The Mystery of the Cross: Good Friday invites Christians to reflect on the mystery and paradox of the cross: through death comes life, and through suffering, redemption. It’s a call to find hope in despair and life in death.
These themes are not only central to the commemoration of Good Friday but also offer deep insights for reflection, prayer, and living out one’s faith in daily life.
Resources for Good Friday
Friday April 3, 2026
Stations of the Cross
Good Friday’s Stations of the Cross is a poignant Lenten tradition. In this devotion, we walk alongside Jesus to Calvary, reflecting on his profound sacrifice. Each station focuses on his sufferings and the encounters with those he met along his path.
This journey invites us to meditate on the depth of his love and the price of our salvation. It’s a time to connect deeply with Christ’s passion, understanding the enormity of his gift to humanity.
Prayerfully Read the Passion of Our Lord
On Good Friday, consider prayerfully reading the Passion of Our Lord individually. While we’re familiar with this sacred narrative, often heard on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, reading it alone allows for personal reflection at your own pace.
This solitary contemplation deepens understanding and connection with the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s a powerful way to engage with the profound love and sacrifice of Christ, encouraging a more intimate encounter with the heart of the Easter story.
Where Have You Been? (Reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ)
On Good Friday, engage in a reflective activity titled “Where Have You Been?” focusing on the sentencing of Jesus Christ.
Ideal for youth ministry or catechesis, this exercise involves one person reading scripture passages about Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, while another offers guided meditation. It prompts participants to delve into the Passion narrative deeply, using a set of discussion questions to explore their personal connections to the events and themes.
This approach fosters a communal and introspective understanding of Good Friday’s significance, encouraging empathy and a deeper spiritual connection with Christ’s journey.
Lent and Triduum Cryptogram Puzzle
This Good Friday, introduce a unique and engaging activity for youth with a printable cryptogram focused on the vocabulary of Lent and the Triduum. Each word within the puzzle is encrypted, challenging participants to decrypt it using provided definitions.
It’s not only a fun way to learn and reinforce important terms associated with this solemn period but also encourages critical thinking and discussion among young people. This educational tool is perfect for catechesis or youth group meetings, making the profound themes of Good Friday accessible and interactive.
First Person Stations of the Cross
The First Person Stations of the Cross offers a transformative Good Friday experience for youth. Through this meditation, participants journey through the Way of the Cross, envisioning each station as if they were physically present. Designed to connect deeply with young people, the prayers and reflections are crafted to resonate with their personal lives and challenges.
This approach not only enhances their understanding of Jesus’ passion and sacrifice but also encourages them to find parallels and lessons applicable to their own experiences, making the story of Good Friday profoundly relatable and impactful.
Attend Good Friday Services
Attending Good Friday services is a solemn and reflective way to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. Although there is no Mass on Good Friday, Catholic parishes around the world hold special liturgies to honor this sacred day.
These services often include the reading of the Passion, veneration of the Cross, and Communion from the reserved Sacrament, providing a profound space for reflection on the depth of Jesus’ love and suffering. Participating in these observances connects us more deeply to the heart of our faith and the true meaning of Easter.
Homilies and Commentaries for Good Friday
Friday April 3, 2026
Pause
In this homily for Good Friday, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to pause and really look at the cross. He explains that the crucifix is more than a symbol—it’s a lens showing what love, sin, and mercy truly look like. Love gives everything, even when nothing is gained in return. Sin is not just breaking a rule; it causes deep wounds, and those wounds are visible in the suffering of Jesus. Mercy is shown in Jesus’s words, repeated again and again as he hung on the cross: “Father, forgive them.”
Fr. Mike reminds us that Jesus died not for his own benefit, but completely for us. When we go to confession, that is the moment Jesus saw from the cross—the moment we let him win by letting him forgive us. On Good Friday, we stop and reflect, knowing this isn’t the end of the story. The story started in love and ends in mercy, and the cross stands right in the middle.
The Power of the Cross, Transformed
In this reflection for Good Friday, Fr. Richard Ounsworth speaks about the cross as a powerful symbol. In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was used as a form of public warning—a harsh advertisement meant to spread fear. When Jesus was crucified, the cross displayed him not only as a victim of violence but also as a sign of rejected hope. Pilate’s words, “King of the Jews,” were meant to mock, yet they pointed to a deeper truth.
Fr. Richard explains that God turned the cross into something greater. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the cross becomes a sign of love, forgiveness, and transformation. It shows that no sin or evil is stronger than God’s mercy. When we venerate the cross, we remember both the pain and the promise it holds. But this love also asks something of us—to live with that same love, even when it costs us. That is the true meaning of Good Friday.
The Cross and the Darkness
John’s Passion story shows Jesus entering fully into the pain and darkness of sin. He does this not from a distance, but by placing himself right where sinners are. He takes on the weight of sin and lets it fall on him, so that we might be protected. This is why early Christians saw Jesus as the suffering servant from Isaiah. His wounds bring healing.
Bishop Barron explains that what pleases the Father on Good Friday is not the suffering itself, but the Son’s free choice to offer himself in love. Jesus goes into the deepest darkness, not to be crushed by it, but to shine God’s light there. In his obedience and sacrifice, he opens a way back to right relationship with God.
Find Your Sacred Place
On Good Friday, we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. In this long reading, one small detail stands out. The garden of Gethsemane was a place Jesus often went to pray. It was a sacred space for Him, and Judas knew this. It reminds us how important it is to have our own places of prayer—quiet, familiar spots where we can meet God again and again.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how we all need sacred places in our lives. These are places where we can slow down, speak with God, and listen in silence. Good Friday is a reminder to find or create such a place. Whether it’s a corner in your home, a church, or a chapel, having a regular place for prayer can help us grow closer to God each day.
The Silence of the Cross
Good Friday centers us on the final words of Jesus, “It is finished.” At that moment, we pause in silence. This silence honors the death of Jesus and invites us to reflect on his sacrifice. It is not a pause to fill with words, but a space to be still, to pray, and to remember that Jesus gave everything for us.
Paul Jerzembowski reminds us that this silence is not empty. It marks the moment Jesus descended into the realm of the dead to bring salvation. Later in the liturgy, we venerate the cross, a symbol of pain that has become a sign of hope. While we can never fully repay what Jesus has done, we begin by embracing the cross with gratitude and love. Though Jesus says, “It is finished,” our journey of faith continues.
Understanding the Holy Triduum
The feasts of Holy Week—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter—mirror the Jewish spring feasts, highlighting the deep connection between Christianity and Judaism.
Holy Thursday’s Last Supper aligns with the Jewish Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt, and coincides with Jesus instituting the Eucharist. Good Friday, the day Jesus died, parallels the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing Jesus as the Lamb of God who delivers from sin. Holy Saturday relates to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing the rejection of sin, while Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus’ Resurrection as the fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits, promising new life.
This sequence not only commemorates historical events but also signifies Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, deepening the spiritual significance of Holy Week and underscoring the transformative power of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Empty Tabernacle of Good Friday
The empty Tabernacle on Good Friday profoundly symbolizes Jesus’ absence, contrasting sharply with its usual warmth and presence-filled state. Throughout the year, the Tabernacle, with its ever-burning lamp, signifies Christ’s Real Presence.
However, on Good Friday, its open and unlit emptiness starkly represents the loss and desolation of Jesus’ death. This period of emptiness is not just a time of mourning but also a powerful reminder of hope and renewal. It teaches us the value of openness, readiness to be filled again, and the profound truth that our worth comes from being receptacles of Divine presence, not from our adornments or achievements.
The Tabernacle’s state on Good Friday ultimately serves as a bold sign of hope, anticipating the joy of Easter resurrection and the filling of our emptiness with Christ’s presence once more.
Why Do We Call It “Good” Friday?
Good Friday holds a profound place in the liturgical year, arguably the second most important day after Easter Sunday. It is the day the New Adam mended what the old Adam had broken, the temple veil was torn, and the gates of heaven opened wide. This is the moment when the waiting righteous were welcomed into their heavenly home, and the Catholic Church was born through baptism.
Good Friday embodies a “Bright Sadness,” a poignant mix of sorrow for Jesus’ suffering and joy in anticipation of His triumph over death and sin. The unique liturgies of this day, such as the veneration of the Cross and the reception of the Eucharist from the reserved Hosts, immerse us deeply in the mystery of Christ’s Passion. This day’s solemnity and its promise of resurrection create a powerful, contemplative space for all believers, marking it as truly “good.”
Reflection for Good Friday
Good Friday is a day of deep reflection and sorrow as we remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. It is a time to contemplate the weight of our own crosses, the hope that emerges from darkness, and the reason for Jesus’ sacrifice. These reflections invite us to draw closer to Christ and to understand the depth of His love for us.
My Crosses
Good Friday is a solemn day for Catholics, as we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. This day calls us to reflect on the many crosses that we face in our own lives, and to consider the ways in which we can unite our own struggles with Christ’s sacrifice.
As we meditate on the events of Good Friday, we are reminded of the suffering that Jesus endured on the cross. We are called to remember that Jesus willingly took on this suffering out of love for us, and that his sacrifice opened the door to eternal life for all who believe in him.
In light of this sacrifice, we must ask ourselves: what crosses do I need to face today? What struggles am I enduring that I can offer up to Jesus in union with his suffering?
Hope in the Darkness
The events of Good Friday are incredibly difficult to comprehend, let alone to come to terms with. Jesus, who had spent his life healing the sick and the broken, was betrayed by one of his closest friends, denied by another, and handed over to be crucified by the very people he had come to save. It is no wonder that we feel such a deep sense of sadness and grief as we remember these events.
Yet, even in the midst of this darkness, there is also a sense of hope that permeates Good Friday. We know that Jesus did not simply die, but that he was also resurrected three days later. This is the very foundation of our faith as Catholics – that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Why Did Jesus Die?
But why did Jesus have to die? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus pleaded with God to take the cup of suffering away from him, yet he ultimately submitted to God’s will. Jesus’ death was not something he desired or sought out, but it was necessary to fulfill God’s plan for salvation.
However, it was not only God’s plan that led to Jesus’ death. Humanity played a role in his crucifixion. People resented and feared Jesus’ revelation of God’s love, preferring instead a harsh, predictable god whom they could control. They did not understand or accept Jesus’ message of love, and this ultimately led to his death.
So, the question we should reflect on is not “Why did Jesus die?” but rather “Why did humanity kill Jesus?” It is a reminder that we are all sinners in need of redemption, and that our rejection of love can lead us to do terrible things. Jesus’ death on the cross is a powerful symbol of God’s boundless love for us, a love that is out of control in its generosity and mercy. On this Good Friday, let us reflect on this love and seek to live our lives in a way that honors Jesus’ sacrifice.
Good Friday challenges us to confront our own struggles and sins while finding hope in Jesus’ victory over death. As we meditate on His sacrifice, may we be moved to live with greater love, humility, and faith. Let us carry our own crosses with courage, trusting that God brings life out of suffering.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, on Good Friday, we remember Your suffering and death for our salvation. Help us carry our own crosses with faith and courage, uniting our struggles with Yours. Give us hope in the darkness and the strength to follow Your example of love and sacrifice. Amen.
Reflection Questions for Good Friday
- What crosses or struggles am I facing in my life right now?
- How can I unite my suffering with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
- In what ways can I offer up my struggles as a sacrifice for the sake of others?
- What emotions do you associate with Good Friday, and why?
- How do you feel when you reflect on the events of Jesus’ crucifixion?
- Can you describe a time when you felt a sense of grief or despair, and how did you cope with those emotions?
- How does the knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection give you hope during difficult times?
- Do you think it is possible to experience both sadness and hope at the same time? Why or why not?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus did not want to die but ultimately submitted to God’s will?
- How have you seen people resist or reject love in your life or in the world around you?
- What does it mean to you that humanity played a role in Jesus’ death?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for Good Friday
Music Suggestions for Good Friday
Friday April 3, 2026
Good Friday, a day of profound solemnity and reflection in the Christian calendar, calls for music that captures the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the breadth of emotions it evokes. The suggested themes and types of music for Good Friday aim to envelop the listener in the narrative of the Passion, focusing on themes of sacrifice, redemption, sorrow, and ultimately, hope. Through a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs, these selections invite us into a deeper contemplation of the Cross, the immense love of Christ, and the promise of salvation. This music serves as a guide through the journey of Good Friday, facilitating a personal and communal encounter with the sacred.
- As the Grains of Wheat by Marty Haugen
- At the Cross Love Ran Red by Chris Tomlin
- At the Cross Her Station Keeping by Jacopone da Todi & Randall Debruyn
- Behold the Cross by Bob Hurd
- Behold the Lamb of God by The St. Louis Jesuits
- Behold the Wood by Dan Schutte
- Crown Him with Many Crowns by George J. Elvey
- From the Depths We Cry to Thee by Martin Herbst & Alan G. McDougall
- Glory in the Cross by Dan Schutte
- Here I Am to Worship by Jeremy Camp
- In Christ Alone in Keith and Kristyn Getty
- Jesus Walked the Lonesome Valley
- Lord We Adore You by Christopher Walker
- O Sacred Head Surrounded by Johann Sebastian Bach & Hans Leo Hassler
- Psalm 22 – My God, My God by Ken Canedo
- Reckless Love by Bethel Music
- Unless a Grain of Wheat by Bernadette Farrell
- Were You There
- What Wondrous Love Is This by Connie Campbell Hart & Randall Debruyn
In conclusion, the music selected for Good Friday serves not only as a backdrop to the day’s observances but as a profound medium of expression and prayer. Through the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine love, these songs guide the faithful in a journey of reflection, penance, and ultimately, celebration of the mystery of the Cross. As we move through the solemnity of Good Friday towards the joy of Easter, let the music remind us of the enduring message of hope and the transformative power of Christ’s love, which continues to resonate in the hearts of believers around the world.
Questions and Answers
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday.
Why is it called Good Friday?
Despite the sorrowful nature of Jesus’ crucifixion, the term “Good” signifies the beneficial outcome of Christ’s sacrifice—offering salvation to humanity. It reflects the ultimate display of love and redemption.
How do Catholics observe Good Friday?
On Good Friday, Catholics often attend church services that may include reading the Passion of Christ, veneration of the Cross, and Communion. They also observe a fast and abstain from meat, and practice penance to honor Jesus’ sacrifice.
Is Good Friday a public holiday?
Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries, especially in those with a Christian majority. This allows individuals to attend church services and observe the day with solemnity.
Can you eat meat on Good Friday?
Many Christians, particularly Catholics, fast and abstain from eating meat on Good Friday as a form of penance and to honor Jesus’ sacrifice. Instead, they may eat fish or vegetarian meals.
What is the significance of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday?
The Stations of the Cross are a devotion that commemorates Jesus’ last day on Earth as a man. On Good Friday, this practice allows believers to meditate on the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of His sacrifice.
How does Good Friday fit into the Easter story?
Good Friday is central to the Easter story as it marks the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, leading to His resurrection on Easter Sunday. This sequence of death and resurrection is fundamental to Christian beliefs about salvation and eternal life.
What are some traditional Good Friday prayers?
Traditional Good Friday prayers focus on themes of repentance, redemption, and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice. The Act of Contrition, the Stations of the Cross, and specific Good Friday intercessions are commonly recited.
Why is Good Friday important to Christians?
Good Friday is crucial for Christians as it commemorates the day Jesus willingly suffered and died as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, thus opening the way for humanity to be reconciled to God. It is a day of reflection on the depths of God’s love and mercy.
Is Good Friday a Holy Day of Obligation?
Good Friday is not a holy day of obligation, but attending the Commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord or Stations of the Cross are both common ways to observe this day.
Is Good Friday part of the Triduum?
Yes. The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday. So Good Friday falls in the middle of the Triduum.
A Day of Suffering and Hope
Good Friday is a solemn day for Catholics as we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a day to reflect on His suffering and the love that led Him to give His life for us. The liturgy focuses on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and trust in God.
The readings emphasize Jesus as the suffering servant who bore the sins of many. He willingly endured the pain of the cross to bring salvation to the world. His sacrifice calls us to face our own struggles and unite them with His.
Good Friday also reminds us of Jesus’ unwavering trust in God, even in His darkest moments. His words on the cross show both human pain and faith. They inspire us to hold on to hope, even when life feels overwhelming.
Through Jesus’ death, we find the mystery of the cross. Life comes through death, and hope is found in suffering. This is a call to embrace our own crosses with faith, trusting in God’s plan.
Your Turn
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. Take time to reflect on what the cross means to you. What struggles can you offer to Jesus today? How does His death inspire you to live differently?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s support one another in walking with Christ and embracing His love.
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