Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to hurry and die so they could be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations.
A soldier came and was ordered to break the legs of the living. He realized that the two thieves were still alive but Jesus appeared dead. He pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure.
The crowd started to disperse, hurrying to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they'd be excluded from the celebration. Mary stayed under the cross with her Son.
Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus' body.
Mary could see her Son and hug Him for the last time. Mary held the lifeless body of her Son in her arms. She wanted desperately to hear His cries as an infant but that wasn't to be. As she held onto her only Son, her heart was heavy, she was grief-stricken that this was the last time she would get to hold Him, see Him, be with Him. She didn't want to give Him up but she had to, the soldiers were waiting. She rocked Him and kissed Him gently on His blood-stained cheek. She drew Him close to her for the last time. Then, she surrendered Him to the guards.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, grant to us that we may fall asleep peacefully with You and wake up in Your likeness; for Your tender mercies' sake.
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.
Lord, grant us the strength to accept the partings that must be part of our lives. Grant us the grace to grieve as well as rejoice for those You call home, through Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us.
XIV
