Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Meditation

By Betsy Wiederkehr Huss, Blessed Sacrament Church
St. John Newman University Parish, Jonesboro

En Español

Jesus cries out in a loud voice. You turn and see his bloody, bruised face. "I thirst," he says. After sipping some wine, he says: "It is finished." The paschal Lamb of God completes his mission of sacrificial love so we can have new life. Jesus is in control and obedient to God's will. "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." He breathes for the last time and bows his head. Jesus hands over the spirit: His to God and the gift of the Holy Spirit to us. The massive Temple tapestry, the veil separating the Holy of Holies, tears in two — top to bottom. The earth quakes. Jesus gives us access to God's loving forgiveness and eternal life. The Roman centurion and his guards at the crucifixion exclaim, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" The centurion glorifies God by his witness. Spectators beat their breasts. For what do you thirst? To what or whom do you reach to quench your "thirst"? A bottle or pill? A device with a screen? God's Word? Hope? Love? To what or whom do you entrust your spirit? Do you openly share your beliefs, like the centurion? Can we ever comprehend what truly happened? Thank you, Lord, for your mercy.