Why is it “good” Friday?

Of course, the church has always understood that the day commemorated on Good Friday was anything but happy. Sadness, mourning, fasting, and prayer have been its focus since the early centuries of the church. A fourth-century church manual, the Apostolic Constitutions, called Good Friday a “day of mourning, not a day of festive Joy.” Ambrose, the fourth-century archbishop who befriended the notorious sinner Augustine of Hippo before his conversion, called it the “day of bitterness on which we fast.”

Yet, despite—indeed because of—its sadness, Good Friday is truly good. Its sorrow is a godly sorrow. It is like the sadness of the Corinthians who wept over the sharp letter from their dear teacher, Paul, convicted of the sin in their midst. Hearing of their distress, Paul said, “My joy was greater than ever.” Why? Because such godly sorrow “brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (2 Cor. 7:10).

- Christianity Today, Chris Armstrong

“Good Friday” is certainly not the only thing we could call this day. In Latin countries, it is called “Holy Friday.” In Germany, it is called “Mourning Friday” or “Friday of Mourning.” Norway refers to it as “Long Friday” (a reference to the length of the day’s services). The Orthodox Churches call it “Holy Friday” and “Great Friday.”

This Good Friday, I’m realizing again why this day is so “good.” It is a day of sorrow… deep sorrow. And that is what I need to feel and deeply understand. Fasting helps. Giving up some things I love helps. But, I won’t be able to fully feel what Jesus had to go through. Even giving up food for a little bit, I’m realizing how hard that is. I see how much I just want to give up and give in… and compromise. What amazes me is that Jesus had the power to just say, “STOP!” and it would’ve all been over. But he said, “It is finished,” instead. That is so crazy amazing…

Jesus is definitely amazing becuase He alone can do what no one else can.

geez.