Good Friday

The Hill of Crosses (courtesy of freefotouk)

The Hill of Crosses (courtesy of freefotouk)

Prayer

O Jesus, who by reason of your burning love for us has willed to be crucified and to shed your most precious blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us here as we remember your most sorrowful passion and death, fully trusting in your mercy. Cleanse us from sin by your grace, sanctify our toil, give unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our daily bread, sweeten our sufferings, bless our families, and to the nations so sorely afflicted, grant your peace, which is the only true peace.

Scripture

It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: “the king of the Jews.” They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” – which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

 

Hymn 

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me. 

 

Notes

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John InazuComment