As Pilate had ordered, a soldier placed, above Jesus' head, a notice reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews' (John 19:20)
The cross was hoisted into place.
Jesus' mother, accompanied by John, stayed near and prayed.
Jesus looked down, seeing them and whispered to His mother, "Woman, behold your son" (John 19:26) and to John, "Behold your mother" (John 19:27)
Time passed slowly, three hours of agonizing pain. The sky was dark.
Jesus said, "I am thirsty." (John 19:28) A soldier offered him wind mixed with myrrh.
The two that were crucified beside Him talked to Him. Looking at one of them He said, "I tell you this in truth, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
Then, Jesus screamed aloud "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
Those under the cross heard Him whisper, "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit. (Luke 23:46)
A few moments later He said, "It is finished." With that, He breathed His last.
At that instant, the earth shook, rocks split, the curtain in the temple ripped from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus saw the earth quake and said, "Surely, He was the Son of God." (Matthew 27:54)
Jesus died at 3 p.m., on the Cross at Calvary.
Prayer
Lord, death is hard for us to understand. It is only through the faith You had in Your Father which carried You through the torment.
Lord, remind us always that faith will carry us through our losses.
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.
God, who for our redemption gave Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by His glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with Him in the joy of His resurrection; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us.
XIII
