Why is Good Friday "Good"?

An innocent man stands trial against a world of furious men. No one defends him as they beat him, mock him, and scourge him inches away from an excruciating death. His mother, helpless and appalled, stands and watches off to the side. Dragging a bulky cross, the Son of Man is whipped and beaten further. Finally, after what seemed like an endless ordeal, the soldiers nailed God to the cross, raised Him up, and after choking on his own fluids, He took his last breath. Does that sound good to you? That much

suffering does not sound good to me. Getting nailed to the Cross does not sound like a “good” experience; I complain when I even get a papercut. Yet, for some reason, the day we remember this suffering is called Good Friday. If you are like me, You are probably wondering “How is this good? Shouldn’t it be called “Suffering Friday” or “Not-Good Friday”?

Good Friday reminds us that before the Glorious Resurrection of Christ came the sorrowful suffering that he sustained for our sake. But none of it was in vain. That is where the “good” comes in. On that day, Christ endured and overcame sin so that we might live forever. Every cut, bruise, insult, gash, nail, and fall was all for the good of you. The whole time through all the pain and suffering, Jesus knew that every loving step under the weight of the Cross was, is, and always will be good for us. The weight of sin in the form of wood burdened His shoulders so that our souls could experience the overflowing mercy that God has to offer. The gates of Heaven were opened, giving the world salvation. It is called Good Friday not because getting nailed to a Cross is good, but because everything that Jesus did was good for you.

So how can we keep Good Friday “good”? How can we praise and thank Jesus for all that he endured for us that fateful day? How about instead of going out with your friends, pray the rosary with your family? How about spending some meaningful time with loved ones? Take some time to pray. A divine mercy chaplet is always a wonderful prayer to pray with a rosary. Go to St. Mary Magdalene’s Stations of the Cross or Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, or both! We need to take some time Friday that is just for Christ. Always remember what Christ has done for us.

“Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday” -Ven. Archbishop Fulton Sheen.