- Feb 5, 2002
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On the day that honors the Passion and death of Jesus, the Church abstains from offering a Mass.
One of the most fascinating days in the liturgical calendar is Good Friday. On the day that honors the Passion and death of Jesus, the Church abstains from offering a Mass.
It is the only day during the entire liturgical year that does not allow a Mass.
St. Thomas Aquinas offers in his Summa Theologica one explanation as to why the Mass is not offered. He states that, "The figure [the Mass] ceases on the advent of the reality. But this sacrament is a figure and a representation of our Lord's Passion, as stated above. And therefore on the day on which our Lord's Passion is recalled as it was really accomplished, this sacrament is not consecrated."
Continued below.
One of the most fascinating days in the liturgical calendar is Good Friday. On the day that honors the Passion and death of Jesus, the Church abstains from offering a Mass.
It is the only day during the entire liturgical year that does not allow a Mass.
No Mass
Instead, the Church instructs its believers to host a "Celebration of the Lord's Passion," which includes a special reading of the Gospel, the veneration of the cross and the distribution of Holy Communion from the reserved Sacrament.St. Thomas Aquinas offers in his Summa Theologica one explanation as to why the Mass is not offered. He states that, "The figure [the Mass] ceases on the advent of the reality. But this sacrament is a figure and a representation of our Lord's Passion, as stated above. And therefore on the day on which our Lord's Passion is recalled as it was really accomplished, this sacrament is not consecrated."
Continued below.
Why is there no Mass and only a "service" on Good Friday?
The absence of a Mass highlights feelings of mourning and sadness and better prepares us for the glories that await us on Easter.
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