The soldiers grab Jesus and lie Him face up on the cross, stretching out His arms. They hold His wrist and hand to the wood and press a nail into it until it stabs His flesh. Then, with a heavy hammer blow, drive it through. The pain bursts like a bomb. They do the same with the other arm and once again the pain explodes. Raising His knees so that His feet would lie flat, they hammer the spikes into them.
Each hammer blow drove the metal spikes into His flesh breaking arteries and splintering bones. The pain was unbearable. He was nearly senseless. It was done, Jesus was nailed to the cross.
Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, You stretched Your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that we all might know Your saving embrace. Help us to bring those who do not yet know You, to Your love.
Mary, my Mother, you were the first to live the way of the cross. Obtain for me the grace to understand the mystery, wisdom and love of the cross. Teach me the lessons it contains. Grant for me the grace to see Your Son in all.
Father, You could have saved Your son, taken Him home with You without the suffering. You allowed it for us. Please, Lord, grant me the grace necessary to follow Your Son and make His hands bleed no more. Through You Son, our Lord. Amen.
Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us.
XII
