Perhaps surprisingly, we do not celebrate Mass on Good Friday. Instead, we commemorate Jesus’ saving Sacrifice by reading the Passion account, venerating the Cross, and receiving Holy Communion that was consecrated the day before.

Saint Thomas Aquinas tells us that there is great power in the Liturgical Year and in commemorating our Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. We celebrate Mass daily throughout the year, except on Good Friday, so that we can receive the fruit of the Passion every day. The Mass is an efficacious sign, meaning that the Mass signifies Christ’s sacrifice and actually makes it present. On Good Friday, we celebrate our Lord’s Passion in the reality of time. In terms of grace, nothing is lost by the absence of Mass on Good Friday. Instead, Good Friday itself becomes a powerful instrument of grace. Our liturgical Commemoration of our Lord’s Passion on Good Friday enables us to share in His saving act of redemption, just as the Mass does every other day of the year.

As you prayerfully participate in the liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, know that this day itself is endowed with grace and power. The grace does not come through the sacramental “Memorial” of the Lord’s Passion but from the reality encountered in this once-a-year Commemoration.

Consider any ways that you have experienced God’s grace powerfully and uniquely on Good Friday. Perhaps, in years past, you entered into the Triduum in a prayerful and recollected way. Call that experience to mind, and understand that this deep encounter with our Lord was especially made possible because those days are holy.

Today, as you celebrate Good Friday, understand that the floodgates of Heaven are opened to you in a way unlike any other day of the year. Seize this once-a-year opportunity to enter into our Lord’s suffering and death. Set aside the hours between noon and three o’clock for nothing other than prayer and recollection during these sanctified hours, and you will discover that God is especially present to you.

Read the Passion. Pray the Stations of the Cross. Recite the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Gaze at a crucifix. Fast, keep vigil, be attentive, and be open to the abundance of grace our Lord wishes to bestow upon you this Good Friday.

My suffering and sacrificial Lord, as I commemorate Your saving sacrifice, draw me into this mystical act of love. Help me to remain prayerful and recollected throughout this day and into tomorrow. Invite me to stand before Your Cross and to gaze upon Your beaten and torn body. As I do, pour forth Your abundant mercy from Your wounded side. Jesus, I trust in You.

Excerpt based on https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/good-friday/