The Triduum is not made up of several services scheduled over a period of three days, but it is one 70-hour service made up of several parts. Today we are in the first third of the service.

Cherish every moment of this most sacred time. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith, realizing that the brotherhood of believers is undergoing the same sufferings throughout the world" (1 Pt 5:8-9). "Fix your eyes on Jesus" crucified (see Heb 3:1). Venerate the cross, and in your heart stay at the foot of the cross with the three Marys (Jn 19:25). With Mary, the mother of God, treasure "all these things" and reflect on them in your heart (see Lk 2:19). The Lord in His mercy is leading us into the mystery of "the breadth and length and height and depth" of His love (Eph 3:18).

This Friday is the only day of the year which the Church calls "good." It is "good" because on this day we remember that Jesus loves us so much that He died to save us. This day will be "good" if we decide to give our lives totally to the One Who gave His life for us. Carry the cross with Jesus; deny yourself (Lk 9:23); live for Jesus alone; let Good Friday be "good."

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000