Psalm 31(30): 2,6; 12a-d; 12e-13; 15-16. 17,25. R. Luke 23:46

Good Friday is the only day of the year when Mass is never celebrated. This reflects the solemn nature of the day. Psalm 31 finds the psalmist in a very bleak place, surrounded by enemies who treat him with scorn. Similarly to psalm 22 (used on Passion Sunday), this psalm captures the raw emotions of despair, vulnerability and abandonment. However, undeterred, the psalmist places his trust firmly in the redeeming love of the Lord. Also as with psalm 22, this psalm includes words spoken by Jesus on the cross (as reported in St Luke’s Gospel). These words are used as the response: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

Psalm 31(30): 2,6; 12a-d; 12e-13; 15-16. 17,25. R. Luke 23:46

Listen to the psalm here (cantor Terry Donohoe, piano accompaniment):

Backing track (piano accompaniment):

Listen to the psalm here (cantor Terry Donohoe, instrumental accompaniment):

Backing track (instrumental accompaniment):

Download the lead sheet here:

Download the vocal score here: