Cynthia Bourgeault writes, "The passion libretto begins and ends in the chapters of the Gospel of John known as the Farewell Discourses, where Jesus shares his final instructions with his disciples: 'Behold, I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.' With love as the touchstone, suffering transcends itself to reveal the luminous path that we, too, are called to walk if courage and compassion do not fail us. Jesus dies not for our sins, but for our highest and universal human possibility." Also included is a lament for Mary Magdalene, taken from the Song of Songs.
This beautiful rendition of the Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday contains traditional hymns and chants for choir and congregation, new music composed by Sister Cintra Pemberton, OSH, and suggestions for recorded music to encourage quiet meditation by worshipers at key moments in the liturgy.
This is a complete liturgy for Good Friday, closely following the Book of Common Prayer, with the liturgy of the Word (Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:1-25; the Passion according to John, with scriptural additions); the Solemn Collects; the Veneration of the Cross; and Communion from the reserved Sacrament.
Ideal for use as a second (evening) service on Good Friday; can also be adapted for use on other days of Holy Week.
Photocopies of this product, once purchased, may be freely made for your choir, readers, and congregation.
