Jesus Dies on the Cross
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this he expired. (Lk. 23) My God, my God, why have you deserted me? How far from saving me, the words I groan! I call all day, my God, but you never answer, all night long I call and cannot rest. They have pierced my hands and my feet: I can count all my bones. They look on me and gloat. They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. (Ps. 22)
Jesus was crucified with two criminals. Pilate had a sign posted saying, “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.” The chief priests, the scribes and elders continued their mockery. “Here am I, now more worm than a man, scorn of mankind, jest of the people, all who see me jeer at me, they toss their heads and sneer, “He relied on the Lord, let the Lord save him!” “I am like water draining away, my bones are all disjointed, my heart is like wax, melting inside me; my palate is drier than a clay pot, and my tongue is stuck to my jaw” (Ps. 22). Jesus hangs on the Cross. His blood runs in streams down His torn and battered body. Finally, He says, “It is finished.” Then he bows his head and dies for my sins. Mary and the faithful women stand in silence. “Silence in the presence of the Lord God!” —Zephaniah 1:7. Jesus, I love You. Forgive me.
Prayer: My dying Jesus, I happily kiss the honoured Cross on which You died for love of me. Have Mercy on me, my Jesus, for what my sins have done to You and others. Your death is my hope and salvation. Let Your holy Passion be a constant reminder to me to love and serve Your precious lambs, my Good Shepherd. Help me to live only for You and to serve You in the poor. And when I die, help me to die embracing Your feet and burning with love for You. My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. Let me always be a friend and servant to the poor. Let me always do the will of the Father. May I never fail you again, Jesus. I bow before You in love and passion. Amen
Our Father who art in Heaven . . . . Amen