The Way of the Cross
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence — St Paul of the Cross
The way of the Cross is the road which leads to Paradise; it is the sure way to holiness.
The Passion of Christ is the greatest and most stupendous work of Divine Love.
Station Thirteen – Jesus dies on the cross
John 19:31-37 ESV
Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness — his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth — that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
Reflections:
Jesus could now feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues. And with a loud voice He cried: “It is finished.” His mission of atonement had been completed. Finally, He could allow His body to die. With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath, and uttered His seventh and last cry: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” A while later, the soldier pierced a long spear into the side of the dead man, to His heart. The watery fluid and blood that flowed out show us He had literally died of a broken heart – not the usual crucifixion death od suffocation. The friends of Jesus were allowed to remove His holy body, and for a moment his mother held Him again upon her lap, cradled in her arms.
Let Him sleep now. It is finished.
Approaching Easter: The Way of the Cross
If we go to the crucifix, we find our Mother of Sorrows, for where the Son is, there also is the Mother.
Blessed Mother, what sorrow you experienced in receiving your dead Son into your arms! May the Passion of our Lord may be for us a fountain of sorrow, of pardon, of love and of life.
Prayer
See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’re such love and sorrow meet? or thorns compose so rich a crown? It was for me.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ my God. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. It was for me.
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O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who at the sixth hour ascended the gibbet of the cross for the redemption of the world and shed Your precious blood for the remission of our sins, grant, we humbly beseech You, that after our death we may enter with joy the gates of Paradise. You, who lives and reigns forever and ever, Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.
Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.
On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.
Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.
The Peanut Gallery 