Office of Readings: Psalm 94, 4, 15, 23; Hebrews 4.1-13
By ancient tradition no mass is celebrated on this day of rest. After all his work God rested on the seventh day. Good Friday is the analogue of the first Friday of creation: on that day God created humanity [Genesis 1.26-31], and on Good Friday humankind is reunited with its Creator. After that culminating work of Creation, the Creator rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. [Genesis 2.2]; so after the excruciating labour of new creation Our Lord rested.
Rest, though, is different from idleness. Rest is the satisfaction taken when a work is thoroughly completed. [John 19.30; cf 4.34] Jesus the Redeemer continues constantly to redeem and save, just as the Creator continues his work. [cf John 5.17] ‘He descended into hell’ we declare in the Apostles’ Creed; ‘he went to preach to the spirits in prison’ the apostle
[I Peter 3.19] explains. He went to the place of desolation, of utter forgottenness, and brought there the good news of great joy which is for all people. [Luke 2.10]
‘The hour is coming’ he promises ‘when the dead will leave their graves at the sound of his voice’. [John 5.28] That hour is coming soon. Are we ready to greet the triumphant Lord when he rises to take up again the life he had laid down? [John 10.18] And are we ready to rise with him, rise to live life worthy of the name? [John 10.10]