Course 4, Chapter 36: Christianity visible. — Good Friday

1. What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the day on which the church honors the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. How was Good Friday formerly celebrated?

Formerly it was celebrated by spending the whole night in the church in prayer, and every person fasting, except children under seven years of a<;e.

3. Of how many parts is the office of Good Friday composed?

The office of Good Friday is composed of three parts.

4. What is the first?

The first part contains two lessons, one from

Exodus, in which Moses describes the ceremony of the

Paschal Lamb, the figure of our Lord; the other from

Isaias, where this prophet shows that Jesus Christ is

390 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

the true Paschal Lamb, and foretells his sufferings. These lessons are followed by the reading of the passion according to St John.

5. What is the second?

The second part are the solemn prayers which the church says for the whole world, even for her great est enemies. Before each prayer a genuflection is made, except before the prayer made for the Jews.

6. What is the third part?

The third part is the solemn veneration of the cross, which represents to us the Saviour ascending Mount Calvary.

7. Whilst preparing to uncover the cross, what is sung?

In the name of the Saviour these touching words are sung: My people, what have I done to ihee? in what have I made ihee sorrowful f A nswer me. I have brought ihee out of the servitude of Egypt, I have fed thee with manna, I have led ihee into ajruilful land, I have protected you and thou hast prepared a cross for thy Saviour.

8. What ought we to do during the evening of Good Friday?

We ought to repair to the church about three o'clock, because our Lord died at that hour, and whilst there we would do well to meditate on the seven words spoken by him on the cross.

9. What are those seven words?

1st, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do; 2d, the words to the good thief, This day tltou nhalt be with me in Paradise; 3d, to Mary, Woman, behold thy son; and to St. John, Behold thy mother; 4th, 1 thirst; 5th, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me; 6th, It is consummated; 7th, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.