On This Good Friday…

It is Good Friday. But what does it mean in people’s mind? You see, most people love Christmas. Whether they’re Christians or not, many in our civilization love that time of year. But as those who are closer to me already know, I’m different than your average Joe… and I make no excuses for it. Christmas to me has lost its charm, its true meaning. It has long become too commercialized by both Christians and atheists alike. Santa has long taken over Jesus’ birth as a celebration. Christ-mas has lost Christ.

For yours truly, there is one Christian holiday that has kept its true meaning, at least in my own heart. At this time of the year, in spite of the Easter Bunny’s effort, with its coloured eggs, my mind goes on a three to four days soul searching and emotional weekend. It is the time of year when I really feel my faith at its strongest. While not everyone believes, I do. In my own heart, the Son of God gave his life for me. And his resurrection brought hope that there is more to come after my last breath on this earth, after the challenges and the suffering. This belief – or feeling – is so strong, that I have marked it permanently on my arm a few years ago…

But enough about me. This blog isn’t about my religious beliefs. First, let’s try to figure out why they call this day Good Friday. Then, we’ll finish with some light humour, with a couple of jokes. Enjoy your weekend folks, no matter your beliefs. Just continue doing good things, not evil. For that, you will earn respect. Have a great Easter weekend.

Why Good Friday?

In truth, Mourning Friday would be a better description for the day when Christ was crucified. However, there are two possible derivations of ‘Good Friday’. One is that ‘Good’ is a transformation of ‘God’s Friday’. Holders of this theory point out ‘Good be with ye’ has become ‘Good bye’.

The other theory is that the choice of the word ‘Good’ is deliberate, it’s just that our perspective had changed. If in the first century after Christ’s birth Friday was traditionally a feast day, then this particular Friday was the most significant of the whole year. Another idea, proposed by the most devout is this is Good Friday in that it’s the ultimate test of the Christian faith; namely that Christ died, and was resurrected on the third day.

Let’s look at what name other languages give for this day, for example, the Eastern Orthodox Church call this day Great and Holy Friday.

French: Vendredi Saint (Friday Saint).

German: Karfreitag.

Italian: Vendredi Santo (Friday Saint again)

In good humour

☞ Surprise Bank Closure

One day just before Easter Eddie pulled into the supermarket car park. His wife Brenda had picked up a few things and was waiting for him.

“Hi, honey,” Eddie cheerfully said as Brenda got into the car. “How was your day?“

“I can’t believe it,” Brenda said. “It looks like our bank is in trouble.“

“What?” Eddie asked.

“It’s closing at the end of the week,” Brenda replied.

“That can’t be right,” Eddie said. “It’s a big bank!“

“Well it’s true,” Brenda came back. “I have seen the sign in the window.“

“What sign?” Eddie asked.

“Drive passed the bank and you’ll see,” Brenda replied.

Eddie headed in the direction of the bank.

“Right there,” Brenda said as they drove by the bank. “See the sign?”

It says, ‘We Will Be Closed for Good Friday!‘

☞ Taxi driver and the priest

One Good Friday a priest and a taxi driver both died and went to heaven.  St. Peter was at the Pearly gates waiting for them.

“Come with me,” said St. Peter to the taxi driver.

The taxi driver did as he was told and followed St. Peter to a mansion. It had everything you could imagine from a bowling alley to an Olympic size pool.

“Oh my word, thank you,” said the taxi driver.

Next, St. Peter led the priest to a rough old shack with a bunk bed and a little old television set.

“Wait, I think you are a little mixed up,” said the priest. “Shouldn’t I be the one who gets the mansion? After all I was a priest, went to church every day, and preached God’s word.“

“Yes, that’s true,” replied St. Peter. “But during your sermons people slept. When the taxi driver drove, everyone prayed.“