Start with the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be open to your closeness and presence as I begin this journey to Calvary with you. Help me to find in your Passion and Death the strength to take up my cross and follow you.
I adore you, Jesus, and I praise you. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.
Scripture:
Again the high priest
asked him and said to him, "Are you the Messiah, the son of the
Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am; and 'you will see
the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the
clouds of heaven.'" At that the high priest tore his garments and
said, "What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the
blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as deserving
to die. (Mark 14: 61-64)
Meditation:
Jesus has been scourged and crowned with thorns. Now, Pilate unjustly condemns him to die upon a cross. Everyday in our world people are condemned. We hear about it on the evening news. Every time someone is rejected for being black, Asian, or Hispanic or Jewish, every time a handicapped person is made to feel unwelcome, someone is being condemned. Jesus was one of those who didn't fit in. He did and said things that upset the people with power.
Pause for silent reflection:
Jesus, forgive us for the times we have condemned you in others through our silence and indifference. Help us to love and welcome all others as you did. Teach us to follow you.
Prayers
