Good Friday - Liturgy of the Passion of Jesus Christ
Good Friday commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. As the Catholic Church teaches, on this day Jesus offered his Body and shed his Blood for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of humanity.
The Catholic Church celebrates the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at around three in the afternoon, traditionally regarded as the hour of Jesus' death on the Cross.
Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified?
The religious authorities in Judea at that time feared that Jesus, who had proclaimed himself the Son of God, might become a more influential religious figure than they were and attract great crowds of followers.
With this in mind, they began seeking a way to put an end to him. The best-remembered step in their plan was persuading Judas Iscariot to betray him, a betrayal that took place on Holy Thursday.
After his arrest, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the province of Judea.
Pilate did not consider Jesus a threat or believe that he had committed a crime. Nevertheless, he gave in to the pressure of the crowd calling for the Crucifixion. Pilate then washed his hands before the people and declared himself innocent of the blood of a righteous man.
Pilate had another opportunity to release Jesus. According to the custom observed during the Jewish Passover, one prisoner could be freed. After asking the crowd, however, Pilate released Barabbas.
Jesus Christ on the Cross
According to the Gospels, after Pilate's decision Jesus was stripped, beaten, and abused. A crown of thorns was placed on his head, and he was forced to carry his own Cross to Golgotha, outside Jerusalem, where he was crucified between two criminals.
Above Jesus on the Cross was placed a sign reading “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” abbreviated INRI.