Good Friday, Day of Fast (Ages 18-59) and Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up)
Also Read: Mass Readings for 18 April 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 52: 13 – 53: 12
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (5)
Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. (12)
On this Good Friday, the church reminds us through the Prophet Isaiah how Christ’s death and resurrection was foretold. The Lord God provisioned our salvation for us in Jesus Christ’s Death, Resurrection and Ascension. Today, we commemorate how much Our Lord Jesus suffered so that each one of us, could be saved and redeemed!
Let us remember this great gift and the depths of Christ’s suffering, every time we are tempted to fall into sin. May His Passion strengthen our resolve to live victoriously in Him, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. (2)
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. (16 – 17)
Amen!
Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (14-15)
Christ is our high priest forever. He gave us his body in the Holy Eucharist and made us partakers of his sacrifice! We share in his priestly, kingly, and prophetic ministry! We thank our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Abba Father for this unmerited mercy on us! We are saved by his dying.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Verse Before the Gospel: Philippians 2: 8-9
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Amen!
Gospel: John 18: 1 – 19: 42
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (37)
False accusations, fabricated charges, unjust trial, lies, deception, contempt, and jealousy played a major part in the trial and execution of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Our Lord and God! Are these familiar attributes in the world today? Are we part of the false accusers or the ones falsely accused? How must we respond in an unjust world!
While we await with eager Hope in this Year of the Jubilee for the return of Jesus, we must remember that only his kingdom will reign in peace and truth!
Come Lord Jesus, Come! Amen!
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