Good Friday is certainly a deep day of reflection and somber celebration for people who believe in Christ worldwide. But despite the sad nature of Good Friday, it is termed “Good.” This seeming contradiction has drawn many to seek a more intense understanding regarding history and meaning behind the name.
History of Naming
The term “Good Friday” has been in use since at least the 13th century. This is due to the Old English term “Gōd Friday,” where, it is held, “gōd” meant “holy” or “pious.” In this context, the day is referred to as “Holy Friday,” reflecting personal significance attached to this day in the Christian calendar.
Theological Significance
Theologically, Good Friday has been memorialized as the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. This was a turning point in Christian doctrine because it represented the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for humankind’s sins. The “good” in Good Friday is meant to mean that Jesus’ death opened the way to resurrection and to salvation for humankind. Though crucifixion presently meant suffering and sorrow, the ultimate outcome of eternal life for believers was considered the ultimate good.
Linguistic Interpretations
The day is known by different names in different languages and cultures, many of which capture the sombre mood of the day. It is referred to as “Karfreitag” in German, where “Kar” is a word meaning lamentation or mourning. Again, the English term contrasts but identifies the seriousness of the same event. This variation becomes an example of naming conventions that indicate how cultures are mixed up in the air in interpreting what that particular day means to them.
Modern Reflections
Contemporarily, different rituals and services are celebrated to mark the importance of Good Friday. Many Christians remember this day by fasting, praying, and illustrating the Stations of the Cross. These make people remember Jesus, his sufferings, and the voluntary sacrifice. Believers are called upon by such reenactments to reflect on the deep implications of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
A Day of Mourning and Reflection
Good Friday is a strictly solemn day of repentance, reflection, and subdued feelings. It is a day of contemplation on the sufferings and sacrifices that Jesus has been through. Most churches hold special services—afternoons, usually, since this was the time the death of Jesus happened. This service probably includes readings from the Passion Narrative, singing hymns, and venerating the Cross. Some traditions involve special fasting and praying.
Good Friday and the Easter Celebration
Good Friday is part of the Paschal Triduum, three days leading into Easter Sunday. It is preceded by Holy Thursday or Maunday Thursday, which is for the remembrance of the Last Supper, and followed by Holy Saturday, a waiting time and an anticipation of the next day. All of those events lead to a climax on Easter Sunday, with Jesus’ resurrection. Good Friday thus sets a tone for the joy and jubilation of Easter. There is also a clear juxtaposition of the sufferings of crucifixion against the glory of the resurrection.
International Observance
Good Friday is held by all Christian churches around the world, such as the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Orthodox Christians. Various traditions have their own customs and liturgies for the occasion. However, all of these are oriented to the universal remembering of the sacrifice Jesus made.
Let’s Review
Though it is called Good Friday, it is a day of much sorrow and spiritual importance. The “good” in Good Friday actually refers not to the day itself or its events but more to the deep theological consequences that came out of it. It speaks to the ultimate good brought forth by the sacrifice Jesus made: providing a way to redemption and eternal life for those who believe.
It is on Good Friday that one could understand why it is that a day of so much sorrow would have the name “good” attached to it, and why it holds such a special place in the hearts of Christians everywhere.