Today is Good Friday, the most solemn day on the Christian liturgical
calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Jewish prophet
whom Christians believe to be the son of God. About the day:
Most Christians view Christ's death as a voluntary act that brought spiritual
salvation to humankind.
Devotions can include: prayer; meditations based on the last seven statements
the Bible reports Jesus made on the cross; fasting; readings from the biblical
accounts of the Passion; processions, including along the 14 Stations of the
Cross; and re-enactments of the crucifixion.
It is believed the crucifixion occurred on a Friday in April. In 33 A.D., the
most probable date, the constellation of the Southern Cross was entirely visible
from Jerusalem.
The Right Rev. Sergio Carranza washes feet.
Iridiana Farias, 5, watches as John Gould washes the feet of Jose Farias at
St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente
Maundy Thursday
Also Holy Thursday, it's the day the Last Supper is said to have been held.
Feet-washing tradition: In countries where sandals were worn, a host
would show hospitality by washing guests' feet.
In John 13:1-15: The story is told that when the supper ended, Jesus
poured water into a basin and began to wash disciples' feet. Peter, the apostle,
humbly tried to stop him, but Jesus insisted saying: "If I wash thee not,
thou hast no part with me." Peter then responds, "Lord, not my feet
only, but also my hands and my head." For centuries, some Christian
churches have continued the rite.
