Good Friday

Today is Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday. It is a holiday for Christians commemorating Jesus' crucifixion and death in the cross. Why is it called "Good", since what the Romans did was not good? The results of Jesus' death was very good! God demonstrates his love for all of us, righteous or non-righteous, to bring us to God. When he was put to death, his body was dead but made alive by the spirit! It is an act that brought salvation to all who believe!!!!O this day, the altar is completely bare, no cross, no candlesticks, or altar cloths. The Holy Water font is empty in preparation of the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil. Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence. Anyone from 14 years old and up is encouraged to abstain from meat and meat products. Why? It is an act of penance in honor of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross on Good Friday! We do not abstain because the food is impure, we are voluntarily giving up something good for our spiritual benefit! Fasting, on the other hand, is for people, ages 18 years to under 60. For the Catholic Church, we are allowed 1 full meal, with no meat. We are allowed 2 smaller meals which do not equal 1 full meal, and no food in between! With fasting, our mind is cleared of physical things in mind. It allows us to concentrate our focus to God alone, reaping spiritual benefits to the believer. Am I boring, everybody???? Tough!!!! Sorry, I am suppose to be nice today! Since it is Good Friday, can we all just try to do good things and only say nice things to our friends, neighbors and others we come in contact today?Peace!!!! May God Bless US ALL!!!!!! .