What's Good about today?

The real significance of Good Friday

- BY SEAN MURPHY

GOOD Friday is the Christian holy day that commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion before Easter Sunday when the Bible claims he rose again.

The belief that Jesus died on the cross but rose three days later and ascended into heaven around 1,992 years ago is the central tenet of Christianity.

But what is its importance as a central date in the Christian calendar and where is it celebrated around the world in the 21st century? For some, it's a secular celebration with fictional Easter bunnies who bring baskets filled with chocolate eggs.

For millions of others around the globe, they will go to Mass today and will be told their God sent his son to earth to die on the cross for their sins.

Soldiers from the ancient Roman empire are said to have nailed him up and stuck a spear in his side before he uttered what are known as his "last words".

Organised religions like the Catholic Church tell believers that Jesus called out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He is also said to have asked, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

And called out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

To a man on another cross near him, he is said to have promised him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."