Calling the day of the Crucifixion ‘Good’ Friday is a designation that is peculiar to the English language. In German, for example, it is called Karfreitag. The Kar part is an obsolete word, the ancestor of the English word "care" in the sense of cares and woes, and it meant mourning. So in German, it is Mourning Friday. And that is what the disciples did on that day—they mourned. They thought all was lost.
I’ve read that the word "good" used to have a secondary meaning of holy or sacred. I know in the Spanish language they call this day "Viernes Santo" which literally means "Holy Friday". There are also a number of cases in set phrases where the words "God" and "good" have been switched around because of their similarity. One case was the phrase "God be with you", which today is just "good-bye". So, maybe, Good Friday was originally God’s Friday. But I think we call it Good Friday because, in all consideration of the day and the event, all of that tragedy brought about the greatest good there could ever be.
I can see value in any of the above terminologies. If we choose to call it "Mourning Friday", as in German, we are truly recognizing the significance of this day and it's effect on each of our lives; taking up our own cross, if you will, fully conscious that the Christian walk is seldom an easy journey. If we choose to call this special day "Holy Friday" then we are acknowledging that God, in all of His holiness and wisdom, did the only thing that could be done to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death, offered up a perfect and spotless sacrifice. But, if we call it "Good Friday", as in English, we are confessing the Christian hope that no tragedy—not even death—can overwhelm God’s kindness, goodness, love, and grace.
I elect to see today as all of the above; a day of 'mourning', a 'Holy' day and a 'good' day because the best is yet to come. Friday is here, but Sunday is coming!! Hallelujah!
2 comments:
AMEN! Sunday represents the BEST Day of the year. Buddha didn't rise from the dead. Neither did Mohammad, Hare Krishna, Joseph Smith, or any of the other leaders and gods of other religions. JESUS rose from the grave and conquered death! He is all-powerful!Therein lies our hope!
AMEN! Sunday represents the greatest day of the year. Jesus rose from the dead. Hare Krishna is still in the grave. So are Buddha, Joseph Smith, and all the other Religious leader's and gods. Only Jesus conquered death. He is All-Powerful! Therein lies our hope!
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