What is Good about Good Friday? Exegesis and Commentary on John 19:38-42
Below is a my exegesis/commentary on Jesus' Burial scene in John 19:38-42. This is the scripture chosen for Year A from BCP for Good Friday. Background on Good Friday Good Friday exists in the Triduum of the Paschal Season. St. Augustine calls the Triduum , beginning Thursday evening (Maunday) and ending Easter evening, “the three most sacred days.” [1] Moreover, Good Friday was early on a commemoration and veneration of the Cross as noted in Egeria, Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose and Augustine. In fact, Holy Week may be the one true apostolic observance because of its orientation around the Jewish dating and the lunar calendar. [2] Good Friday also plays prominently in the early baptism ritual where catechumens were often prepared for the ritual and brought into the prayers of the people. Also, traditionally this has been a time where, in the prayers of the people, there has been a co...