The Crucifixion of Jesus

Mt 26-27; Mk 14-15; Lk 22-23; Jn 18-19

a meditation and prayers by Victor Hoagland, C.P.

What would we see if we were there when Jesus was crucified?

In the somber half-gloom - that darkness the gospels describe- Jesus Christ would hang from a rough cross. Not a shining cross of silver or gold, but a stark cross of rugged wood.

Our eyes would see a man dying slowly without relief, a crucified man, his body wrenched by pain. A sight not easy to look at.

What would we hear if we were there when Jesus was crucified?

The harsh thud of nails driven through wood and flesh, the moaning of the dying, the periodic insults shouted to the cross, the mockery of his enemies to his claim of divine sonship, the few gasping words of Jesus himself. Sounds not pleasant to the human ear.

Only faith tells us there is something more about the crucifixion of Jesus. In that unlikely place, in pain and sorrow, God showed love for a sinful world.

May our vision of faith grow till we value life in the light of our faith in the Son of God "who loved us and gave himself up for us."

For the love you bear
to those who ask forgiveness,
look mercifully on me,
as once you looked on Mary Magdalene
and on Peter who denied you.

Look on me, Lord Jesus Christ,
as you looked on the thief on his cross
and on every sinner
whom you have ever forgiven.

Look on me, merciful Lord,
as you looked on your mother, Mary,
standing in sorrow beneath your cross.
Let me feel in my heart her compassion for you,
and let my eyes weep for the sorrows
my sins have caused.

Call me from darkness
to my Father's house,
give me a new heart
and a place at your side
at the banquet of your kingdom. Amen.

O Jesus, Son of God,
You were born in a stable
and died on the cross
for our salvation.

Say to your heavenly Father
at the hour of my death:
"Father, forgive them."

Say to your loving mother:
"Behold your daughter, behold your son."

Say to my soul:
"This day you shall be with me in Paradise."

"My God, my God, do not abandon me"
in that hour.
"I thirst," my God,
yes, my soul thirsts for you,
the fountain of living waters.

My life passes like a shadow.
Yet a little while and "it is finished."

So, my Savior,
from this moment and for all eternity,
"Into your hands, I commend my spirit."

Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen.

O Mother of Sorrows,
with strength from above
you stood by the cross
sharing the sufferings of Jesus,
and with tender care
you took him in your arms,
mourning and weeping.

We praise your faith,
for accepting the life God gave you.

We praise your hope,
for trusting God would do great things
through you.
We praise your love,
for bearing with Jesus
the sorrows of his passion.

Holy Mary,
may we follow your example
and stand by all your children
who need comfort and love.

Mother of God,
stand by us in our trials
and care for us in our many needs.
Pray for us now
and at the hour of our death.

Amen.