Gospel: The Veneration of the Cross

The Roman Catholic Church practice a devotion known as the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. The clergy and congregation approach a cross or crucifix one by one, and offer a gesture of respect to all that it represents. This gesture usually includes kneeling or bowing before the cross and then kissing it.

The Gospel reading is about the Passion of Christ, too, but this time, the version of St John is read. The service is not considered a Mass, because there is no consecration of bread and chalice, the only day in the year when a Mass is not celebrated. Those who attend the Good Friday service receive communion which was consecrated during the Lord's Supper the other day on Maundy Thursday.

According to legend, St Helena discovered the true cross in 326 AD. Soon afterwards, Christian leaders in Rome sought and obtained a fragment of this holy relic, which they housed in the Church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Along with the cross came Jerusalem community's ceremony of the Veneration of the Cross. From Rome, the ceremony spread thoughout Europe.

Let us pray: O Lord, We adore You, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.

Amen.

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