Good Friday  
We have followed the steps of the Innocent One, unjustly condemned, keeping our eyes on his adorable face: a face offended by human malice but full of the light of love and forgiveness. – Pope Saint John Paul II, Excerpt from Remarks of the Holy Father at the end of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, Good Friday (April 13, 2001)
 
On Good Friday we consider the magnitude of the Mercy of God, as we commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 
 
As we have for so many days and weeks, we remain separated physically on this most important day.  Our union in the faith is manifested through our love for the Word of God, devotion to prayer, and by various modes of communication.  In this way we enter uniquely into the betrayal, isolation, and suffering of the Lord Jesus during His Passion, Crucifixion, and Death.
 
I urge you all to read and meditate on the Sacred Scriptures for the Passion Liturgy, to continue to cultivate your desire to receive the Most Holy Eucharist, and, as you are able, to view and participate in a liturgy remotely (I strongly recomend the liturgies with Bishop Gainer, they have are well produced and Bishop is an excellent homilist).  Also, I would recommend praying the Stations of the Cross, and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary today.
 
As a reminder, Good Friday is a day of universal fast and abstinence from meat, according to the Laws of the Church.  We make various exterior actions to observe in the most somber manner the Death of the Lord Jesus. 
 
It is further encouraged, for all who are able – in good health and according to prudence – that this fast would extend to include Holy Saturday (certainly, this is not mandated by the Law of the Church and could be observed, at least in part, through abstinence from meat on Holy Saturday).  This extending of the fast is encouraged to as way of honoring the suffering and death of Jesus, as well as a traditional preparation for the joyous feast of Easter Sunday.  Fasting is an aid in deepening our desire for what is anticipated, may this discipline yield a hunger of the Presence of the Risen Christ in your life.
 
Also, today begins the Novena of Divine Mercy – a wonderful devotion to the Love of God.
 
In response to our current circumstances, there is an optional moment of prayer at 12 Noon (local time) to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart.
 
 
 
The Sacred Paschal Triduum
 
Just a reminder, as we continue within the Paschal Triduum (and Easter Sunday) while we are limited to our homes:
 
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer has invited the faithful to join with him, remotely, for a digital Holy Week and Easter Masses. All live streams of Holy Week and Easter Masses will be recorded and available for view after the scheduled Mass, at the Diocese of Harrisburg YouTube Channel.
 
Bishop Gainer’s Holy Week and Easter Sunday schedule is as follows:
 

• Good Friday at noon
• Easter Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

 
More information is available on the Diocese of Harrisburg Website, a special page has been dedicated to “ digital Holy Week” for your convenience.  This is a great privilege, to be able to join with Bishop Gainer – even remotely – for these important liturgies. 
 
United in Prayer
 
Let us join with one another contemplating the face of the Merciful Father – Christ our Lord – through prayer and devotions throughout the day.
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!