Dressed in red vestments, symbolizing shed blood, the pope prostrated himself on the ground for a few moments.
The silent contemplation of the Passion of Christ is essential on Good Friday.
After the liturgy of the Word, the preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa reflected on the meaning of suffering in the current context of a pandemic.
FR. RANIERO CANTALAMESSA
Preacher to the Papal Household
The pandemic of coronavirus has abruptly roused us from the greatest danger individuals and humanity have always been susceptible to: the delusion of omnipotence. The virus knows no borders. In an instant it has broken down all the barriers and distinctions of race, nation, religion, wealth, and power. We should not revert to that prior time when this moment has passed.
He also recommended looking at suffering from another point of view – that of God.
FR. RANIERO CANTALAMESSA
Preacher to the Papal Household
God 'suffers,' like every father and every mother. When we find this out one day, we will be ashamed of all the accusations we made against Him in life. God participates in our pain to overcome it.
The pandemic forced some changes in how the liturgy was carried out. For example, one of the most crucial moments of the liturgy is the adoration of the Cross. Participants kiss it one-by-one. This year, in a preventive measure, only the celebrant kissed the cross.
Javier Romero
Translation: Melissa Butz
