Good Friday

The language of the Good Friday liturgy on March 29 walks through the passion of our Lord. Jesus is crucified and we acknowledge our own role in God’s unfolding narrative. There is no celebration of Eucharist and the ministers wear black. Jesus' death is seen by Christians as salvation and as a reminder of how prophets are often killed when they stand for justice and peace. The offerings given this day are sent to the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East (for more information, read here). For many Christians, this day is also a day of fasting and penance.

In this beautiful, painful service, care is given to make sure that the story of the death of Jesus is not presented in an anti-Semitic manner. A concern of the translation and rhythm of the Good Friday service is that it is anti-Jewish. The Greek word is to be understood often as Judean and points to a small people group - not all Jews. This noon service is using an experimental, alternate liturgy, developed by a seminary professor at Seminary of the Southwest, changing some words of prayers and selecting Biblical passages that are less condemning of our Hebrew sisters and brothers. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas has shared the liturgy on their website as an option for clergy to try with parishes. Saint Stephen’s is using these guidelines for the Good Friday service this year.

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