Verse: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Scripture: When they came to Golgatha, the place called the Skull, they crucified Jesus and the robbers, one on his right and the other on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23: 33 – 34; John 19:18
Reflection: Jesus, you are stretched out on the cross you have carried so far. In the presence of your mother, the soldiers take big nails and drive them into your hands and feet. Crucifixion was the worst form of death, a death reserved for slaves and criminals. Once considered a prophet, you died like a criminal. Yet your tortured body expresses a sovereign majesty; it is as if a powerful energy within shines through saying, “Have faith, do not lost hope; the power of the love of God, the power of the Risen One, overcomes all things.” For those times I am impatient with my own suffering or because of ignorance or frustration I have hurt others, forgive me. Help me to trust in the hope and courage that your love provides.
Prayer: Lord and Savior, You have told me that I too must accept crucifixion if I am to accept resurrection with You. Help me to rejoice in the sufferings that come with the fulfillment of my daily duties, seeing in them the royal road of the cross to the resurrection.
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, AMEN.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.