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Question
Hello!
On Good Friday there is no Eucharist since Jesus was not risen at that time. Why are we then allowed to celebrate the Eucharist on x-mas when Jesus was in fact only born and not crucified and risen?
We don't celebrate the Eucharist (though often communion is given) on Good Friday because we are focused on the one sacrifice of Christ and wish to underscore that it is HIS sacrifice that saves. The sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in the Eucharist is a re-PRESENTATION of that sacrifice, and so it is appropriate at any time that focuses on Christ's life. But the importance of Good Friday is to underscore the once-for-all oblation Christ made of himself. And the church, in her wisdom, has long abstained from doing anything to overshadow that.
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Answers by Expert:
Fr. Chris Larimer
Expertise
Bible (especially New Testament), theology, liturgy, church history, and pastoral practice.
Experience
I am a priest in the Anglican Church in North America (ordained a priest in 2008).
Organizations
Order of the Holy Innocents; Anglicans for Life; Forward in Faith.
Education/Credentials
Undergraduate study at King College and East Tennessee State University leading to BA in English, with minors in Sociology and in Humanities (emphasis Classical Studies). Master of Divinity, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Additional study, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Awards and Honors
Patterson Scholar in Greek and Latin, LPTS (2003-2006). J. K. Patterson Graduate Fellow in Church History, LPTS. PC(USA) Ordination Exams: Bible Content 98%; Greek Exegesis 5/5; Reformed Theology 5/5.
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