3 PM

Why are Fridays singled out in Lent as different?

Well, the obvious answer is that it reminds us of the day, Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross.

But it is more than that during Lent. We are also called to fast and specifically abstain from meat. Back in the day when seafood wasn’t as available, this meant a real sacrifice at the table for adults and children alike.

But we need to go deeper. Fasting, though so important, is just one sacrifice that we offer up. A physical reminder of real sacrifice. 

Do any of us really contemplate the meaning of Friday? Many years ago in my 30’s, I read Saint Faustina’s diary, called “Divine Mercy in my Soul”. It is where the Divine Mercy Chaplet comes from. An incredible book. But there was one point in that book that stuck with me for a couple of decades. That was the Hour of Mercy……. 3 PM.

It is the tradition of the church that Jesus died at 3 PM on the very first Good Friday. At the moment of his death, he bore the sins of all mankind. But more important, by giving his own innocent life, he opened up his Sacred Heart, the Fount of Mercy. Where no sin, even the worst of the worst is unforgivable when seeking His unfathomable mercy. 

“ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” 

So for all of these years I set a reminder at 3PM. Back in the day it was a beep, and then just a pop-up reminder. But it was 3 PM every day. Maybe some of you remember seeing it. Maybe some of you joined me in that moment. But my prayer is just very simple. “ Jesus, my Savior, forgive me, a poor sinner”

A couple of phone upgrades ago I got away from it. But its back ! You see everyday we need to be reminded of His love for us. His desire that we be with Him always. 

So maybe set a reminder for 3PM on the next couple Fridays. And when that reminder goes off. No matter what you are doing, close your eyes for a second and picture Him there, on the cross. 

And at the moment, believe deeply in your heart, that He did this for you.