Q: Why do we not begin or include anywhere the sign of the cross in the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday?
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A: The rubrics don’t explain why, but we do without a lot of things on Good Friday. The altar is bare of cloths, candles and cross. The gospel is proclaimed without processional candles or incense, and without the greeting “The Lord be with you.” When a bishop presides he leaves aside his ring and pastoral staff. Perhaps the liturgy joins in the fast and abstinence of the day.