Good Friday Retreat 2025
Devotion to the Five Wounds Of Christ
THE devotion to the Five Wounds is a traditional form of prayer that focuses on the physical sufferings of Christ—his pierced hands, feet, and side. It developed in the Middle Ages as a way of meditating on the Passion, attending to the body of Jesus as it was wounded and offered on the Cross.
This form of prayer invites slow, attentive reflection. It does not aim to explain suffering, but to remain with it—to stay close to Christ in his pain, and to hold before God the woundedness of the world, and of ourselves.
Each section of this meditation includes a passage of Scripture, a short reflection, and further verses for prayer.
These readings and meditations were first delivered at St Michael and All Saints, Edinburgh, on Good Friday 2025 by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon and Faith Sutherland.
Image for Reflection
The painting shown below may be used as a focus for prayer and meditation while engaging with these reflections.
Francisco de Zurbarán, The Crucifixion (1627), oil on canvas, 290.3 × 165.5 cm. Robert A. Waller Memorial Fund, 1954.15. The Art Institute of Chicago.
The Left Hand: Inscribed
A personal note to humankind, inscribed on the palms of God’s hands.
Isaiah 49:16, Luke 23:33
The Right Hand: Exposed
Hands fixed in perpetual surrender
Psalm 22:16, John 20:25
The Left Foot: Counted
What is usually unnoticed becomes unignorable
Psalm 22:17, Isaiah 52:7
The Right Foot: Struck
A wound at the body’s lowest point
Genesis 3:15, Luke 24:40
The Side: Pierced
Unrecoverable harm
John 19:34–37, Zechariah 12:10
Mass Times
Sunday • 10:30 High Mass
A service with choral music, organ, incense, bells, and elaborate ritual Read more →
Wednesday • 11:00 Low Mass (Lady Chapel)
First Saturday of each month • 12:30 Rosary Mass
Celebrate the Sacred Seasons
ST Michael and All Saints invites you to mark some of the most significant moments of the liturgical year with special services featuring glorious music from one of the finest choirs in the city, vibrant Anglo-Catholic liturgy, and preaching that speaks to the heart. These services are true highlights of the calendar, offering excellent opportunities for reflection and celebration. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.
Advent Carol Service
Sun 30 Nov • 18:00
Enter the season of Advent through a dramatic and awe-inspiring service, filled with candlelight, stirring choral music, and readings, drawing all who attend into a profound sense of waiting and wonder.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Sun 21 Dec • 18:00
Celebrate the Christmas story through the beloved Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Scripture readings and carols recount the journey from creation to the birth of Christ. The service, accompanied by exceptional choral music, offers a moment of reflection, joy, and a deep connection to the true meaning of Christmas.
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Latest Sermons
Listen to recent sermons and reflections.
23 November 2025
‘The posture of watching’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Solemnity of Christ the King (Luke 23:35-43)
9 November 2025
‘Why do you ask?’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Remembrance Sunday (Luke 20:27-38)
26 October 2025
‘The real Edinburgh’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 18:9-14)
5 October 2025
‘Jeffrey’s’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 17:5-10)
21 September 2025
‘Cooked books’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 16:1-13)
14 September 2025
‘I just want someone who can make me laugh’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (John 3:13-17)
7 September 2025
‘Possessed’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 14:25-33)
24 August 2025
‘Law and Order’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 13:10–17)
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