The Lord's Passion - April 3, 2026

remember your mercies, O Lord, and with remember your mercies, O Lord, and with your eternal protection, sanctify your your eternal protection, sanctify your your eternal protection, sanctify your servants, for whom Christ, your son, by servants, for whom Christ, your son, by servants, for whom Christ, your son, by the shedding of his blood, established the shedding of his blood, established the shedding of his blood, established the pascal mystery tree who lives and the pascal mystery tree who lives and the pascal mystery tree who lives and reigns forever and ever. reigns forever and ever. reigns forever and ever. >> Amen. A reading from the book of the prophet A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah. Isaiah. See, my servant shall prosper. He shall See, my servant shall prosper. He shall See, my servant shall prosper. He shall be exalted and lifted up and shall be be exalted and lifted up and shall be be exalted and lifted up and shall be very high. very high. very high. Just as there were many who were Just as there were many who were Just as there were many who were astonished at him, so marred was his astonished at him, so marred was his astonished at him, so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and appearance, beyond human semblance, and appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of man.

his form beyond that of the sons of man. his form beyond that of the sons of man. So he shall startle many nations. So he shall startle many nations. So he shall startle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of Kings shall shut their mouths because of Kings shall shut their mouths because of him. For that which had not been told him. For that which had not been told him. For that which had not been told them, they shall see, and that which them, they shall see, and that which them, they shall see, and that which they had not heard, they shall they had not heard, they shall they had not heard, they shall contemplate. contemplate. contemplate. Who has believed what we have heard? Who has believed what we have heard? Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been And to whom has the arm of the Lord been And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? revealed? revealed? For he grew up before the Lord like a For he grew up before the Lord like a For he grew up before the Lord like a young plant and like a root out of dry young plant and like a root out of dry young plant and like a root out of dry ground. ground. ground. He had no form or majesty that we should He had no form or majesty that we should He had no form or majesty that we should look at him. Nothing in his appearance look at him. Nothing in his appearance look at him. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was that we should desire him. He was that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men. A man of despised and rejected by men. A man of despised and rejected by men. A man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity. suffering and acquainted with infirmity. suffering and acquainted with infirmity. And as one from whom others hide their And as one from whom others hide their And as one from whom others hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him faces, he was despised, and we held him faces, he was despised, and we held him of no account. of no account. of no account. Surely he has borne our infirmities and Surely he has borne our infirmities and Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases. carried our diseases. carried our diseases. Yet we accounted him stricken, struck Yet we accounted him stricken, struck Yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.

down by God, and afflicted. down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our But he was wounded for our But he was wounded for our transgressions, transgressions, transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. crushed for our iniquities. crushed for our iniquities. Upon him was the punishment that made us Upon him was the punishment that made us Upon him was the punishment that made us whole. And by his bruises we are healed. whole. And by his bruises we are healed. whole. And by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Each All we like sheep have gone astray. Each All we like sheep have gone astray. Each has turned to their own way. And the has turned to their own way. And the has turned to their own way. And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of Lord has laid on him the iniquity of Lord has laid on him the iniquity of all. He was oppressed and he was all. He was oppressed and he was all. He was oppressed and he was afflicted. Yet he did not open his afflicted. Yet he did not open his afflicted. Yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb that is led to the mouth. Like a lamb that is led to the mouth. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before slaughter, and like a sheep that before slaughter, and like a sheep that before its sheerers is silent, so he did not its sheerers is silent, so he did not its sheerers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. open his mouth. open his mouth. By a perversion of justice, he was taken By a perversion of justice, he was taken By a perversion of justice, he was taken away. For who could have imagined his away. For who could have imagined his away. For who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land future? For he was cut off from the land future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the of the living, stricken for the of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. transgression of my people. transgression of my people. They made his grave with the wicked and They made his grave with the wicked and They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had his tomb with the rich, although he had his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence.

done no violence. done no violence. And there was no deceit in his mouth. And there was no deceit in his mouth. And there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. him with pain. him with pain. When you make his life an offering for When you make his life an offering for When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring and sin, he shall see his offspring and sin, he shall see his offspring and shall prolong his days. Through him, the shall prolong his days. Through him, the shall prolong his days. Through him, the will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of his anger, he shall see light. He shall his anger, he shall see light. He shall his anger, he shall see light. He shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. find satisfaction through his knowledge. find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall The righteous one, my servant, shall The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear make many righteous, and he shall bear make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. their iniquities. their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot him a portion Therefore, I will allot him a portion Therefore, I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the with the great, and he shall divide the with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured spoil with the strong, because he poured spoil with the strong, because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered out himself to death, and was numbered out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors, yet he bore the with the transgressors, yet he bore the with the transgressors, yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for sin of many, and made intercession for sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Father, Father, into your hands into your hands into your hands I command my spirit.

Father, Father, into into into your hands I command I command my spirit. In you, oh Lord, I seek refuge. In you, oh Lord, I seek refuge. Do not let me ever be put to shame. In Do not let me ever be put to shame. In Do not let me ever be put to shame. In your righteousness, delivered me. your righteousness, delivered me. your righteousness, delivered me. Into your hand I commit my spirit. Into your hand I commit my spirit. Into your hand I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, oh Lord, faithful You have redeemed me, oh Lord, faithful You have redeemed me, oh Lord, faithful God. God. God. Father, I command I command my spirit. I am the scorn of all my adversaries, I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, a horror to my neighbors, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances.

an object of dread to my acquaintances. an object of dread to my acquaintances. Those who see me in the street flee from Those who see me in the street flee from Those who see me in the street flee from me. me. me. I have passed out of mind like one who I have passed out of mind like one who I have passed out of mind like one who is dead. is dead. is dead. I have become like a broken vessel. I have become like a broken vessel. I have become like a broken vessel. Father, Father, Father, into your hands I command I command my spirit. But I trust in you, oh Lord. But I trust in you, oh Lord. I say you are my God. I say you are my God. I say you are my God. My times are in your hand. My times are in your hand. My times are in your hand. Delivered me from the hand of my enemies Delivered me from the hand of my enemies Delivered me from the hand of my enemies and persecuttors. Father, Father, into your hands I command I command my spirit.

Let your face shine upon your servant. Let your face shine upon your servant. Save me in your steadfast love. Save me in your steadfast love. Save me in your steadfast love. Be strong and let your heart take Be strong and let your heart take Be strong and let your heart take courage, courage, courage, all you who wait for the Lord. all you who wait for the Lord. all you who wait for the Lord. Father, I command I command my spirit. A reading from the letter to the A reading from the letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews. Hebrews. Brothers and sisters, since we have a Brothers and sisters, since we have a Brothers and sisters, since we have a high pri great high priest who has high pri great high priest who has high pri great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the passed through the heavens, Jesus the passed through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast to our son of God, let us hold fast to our son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

confession. confession. For we do not have a high priest who is For we do not have a high priest who is For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our unable to sympathize with our unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, weaknesses, weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has but we have one who in every respect has but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. been tested as we are, yet without sin. been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of Let us therefore approach the throne of Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may grace with boldness so that we may grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in receive mercy and find grace to help in receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. time of need. time of need. In the days of his flesh, Jesus In the days of his flesh, Jesus In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered our prayers and supplications offered our prayers and supplications offered our prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who with loud cries and tears to the one who with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to serve save us from death. was able to serve save us from death. was able to serve save us from death. And he was heard because of his reverent And he was heard because of his reverent And he was heard because of his reverent submission. submission. submission. Although he was a son, he learned Although he was a son, he learned Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

obedience through what he suffered. obedience through what he suffered. And having been made perfect, he became And having been made perfect, he became And having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all the source of eternal salvation for all the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. who obey him. who obey him. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to The word of the Lord. Thanks be to The word of the Lord. Thanks be to >> God. The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ

The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. according to John. according to John. After they had eaten the supper, After they had eaten the supper, After they had eaten the supper, Jesus went out with his disciples across Jesus went out with his disciples across Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kiddran Valley to a place where the Kiddran Valley to a place where the Kiddran Valley to a place where there was a garden there was a garden there was a garden which he and his disciples entered. Now which he and his disciples entered. Now which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas who betrayed him also knew the Judas who betrayed him also knew the Judas who betrayed him also knew the place because Jesus Jesus often met place because Jesus Jesus often met place because Jesus Jesus often met there with his disciples. there with his disciples. there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of So Judas brought a detachment of So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the soldiers together with police from the soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees. chief priests and the Pharisees. chief priests and the Pharisees. And they came there with lanterns and And they came there with lanterns and And they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. torches and weapons. torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to Then Jesus, knowing all that was to Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked happen to him, came forward and asked happen to him, came forward and asked them, them, them, >> "Whom are you looking for?" >> "Whom are you looking for?" >> "Whom are you looking for?" >> They answered, >> They answered, >> They answered, >> "Jesus of Nazareth. >> "Jesus of Nazareth. >> "Jesus of Nazareth. >> I am he." >> I am he." >> I am he." Judas who betrayed him was standing with Judas who betrayed him was standing with Judas who betrayed him was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am them. When Jesus said to them, "I am them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the he," they stepped back and fell to the he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, ground. Again he asked them, ground. Again he asked them, >> "Whom are you looking for?"

>> "Whom are you looking for?" >> "Whom are you looking for?" >> Jesus of Nazareth. >> Jesus of Nazareth. >> Jesus of Nazareth. >> I told you that I am he. So if you are >> I told you that I am he. So if you are >> I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go. looking for me, let these men go. looking for me, let these men go. >> This was to fulfill the word that he had >> This was to fulfill the word that he had >> This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken. I did not lose a single one of spoken. I did not lose a single one of spoken. I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me. Then Simon those whom you gave me. Then Simon those whom you gave me. Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his the high priest's slave, and cut off his the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, Jesus said to Peter, Jesus said to Peter, >> "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am >> "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am >> "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father I not to drink the cup that the Father I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" has given me?" has given me?" So the soldiers, their officer and the So the soldiers, their officer and the So the soldiers, their officer and the Jewish police and the Jewish police Jewish police and the Jewish police Jewish police and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they arrested Jesus and bound him. First they arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annus who was the took him to Annus who was the took him to Annus who was the father-in-law of Kyifus, the high priest father-in-law of Kyifus, the high priest father-in-law of Kyifus, the high priest that year. that year. that year. Kyifus was the one who had advised the Kyifus was the one who had advised the Kyifus was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one Jews that it was better to have one Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

person die for the people. person die for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple Simon Peter and another disciple Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. followed Jesus. followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the Since that disciple was known to the Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter courtyard of the high priest. But Peter courtyard of the high priest. But Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the was standing outside at the gate. So the was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple who was known to the high other disciple who was known to the high other disciple who was known to the high priest went out, spoke to the woman who priest went out, spoke to the woman who priest went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, The woman said to Peter, The woman said to Peter, >> "You are not also one of this man's >> "You are not also one of this man's >> "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" Peter said, disciples, are you?" Peter said, disciples, are you?" Peter said, >> "I am not." >> "I am not." >> "I am not." >> Now the slave the slaves and the police >> Now the slave the slaves and the police >> Now the slave the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was had made a charcoal fire because it was had made a charcoal fire because it was cold and they were standing around it cold and they were standing around it cold and they were standing around it warming themselves. Peter also was warming themselves. Peter also was warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. standing with them and warming himself. standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus Then the high priest questioned Jesus Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his about his disciples and about his about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, teaching. Jesus answered, teaching. Jesus answered, >> "I have spoken openly to the world. I >> "I have spoken openly to the world. I >> "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in have always taught in synagogues and in have always taught in synagogues and in the temple where all the Jews come the temple where all the Jews come the temple where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.

together. I have said nothing in secret. together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them. They know what I what I said to them. They know what I what I said to them. They know what I said. said. said. When he had said this, one of the police When he had said this, one of the police When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the standing nearby struck Jesus on the standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, face, saying, face, saying, >> "Is that how you answer the high priest? >> "Is that how you answer the high priest? >> "Is that how you answer the high priest? If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. wrong. wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you But if I have spoken rightly, why do you But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me? strike me? strike me? Then Anas sent him bound to Kyifus the Then Anas sent him bound to Kyifus the Then Anas sent him bound to Kyifus the high priest. Now Simon Peter was high priest. Now Simon Peter was high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked standing and warming himself. They asked standing and warming himself. They asked him, him, him, >> "You are not also one of his disciples, >> "You are not also one of his disciples, >> "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" are you?" are you?" He denied it and said, He denied it and said, He denied it and said, >> "I am not." >> "I am not." >> "I am not." >> One of the slaves of the high priest, a >> One of the slaves of the high priest, a >> One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had relative of the man whose ear Peter had relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, cut off, asked, cut off, asked, >> "Did I not see you in the garden with >> "Did I not see you in the garden with >> "Did I not see you in the garden with him?"

him?" him?" >> Again, Peter denied it. And at that >> Again, Peter denied it. And at that >> Again, Peter denied it. And at that moment, the crowed. moment, the crowed. moment, the crowed. Then they took Jesus from Kaias to Then they took Jesus from Kaias to Then they took Jesus from Kaias to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in Pilate's headquarters. It was early in Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not the morning. They themselves did not the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters so as to avoid a enter the headquarters so as to avoid a enter the headquarters so as to avoid a ritual defilement ritual defilement ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So and to be able to eat the Passover. So and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, Pilate went out to them and said, Pilate went out to them and said, >> "What accusation do you bring against >> "What accusation do you bring against >> "What accusation do you bring against this man?" this man?" this man?" >> They answered, >> They answered, >> They answered, >> "If this man were not a criminal, we >> "If this man were not a criminal, we >> "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." would not have handed him over to you." would not have handed him over to you." Pilate said to them, Pilate said to them, Pilate said to them, >> "Take him yourselves and judge him >> "Take him yourselves and judge him >> "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." according to your law." according to your law." >> They replied, >> They replied, >> They replied, "We are not permitted to put anyone to "We are not permitted to put anyone to "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." death." death." >> This was to fulfill what Jesus had said >> This was to fulfill what Jesus had said >> This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he when he indicated the kind of death he when he indicated the kind of death he was to die. Then Pilate entered the was to die. Then Pilate entered the was to die. Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, asked him, asked him, >> "Are you the king of the Jews?"

>> "Are you the king of the Jews?" >> "Are you the king of the Jews?" >> Do you ask this of your own, or did >> Do you ask this of your own, or did >> Do you ask this of your own, or did others tell you about me? others tell you about me? others tell you about me? >> I am not a Jew, am I? >> I am not a Jew, am I? >> I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests Your own nation and the chief priests Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have have handed you over to me. What have have handed you over to me. What have you done? you done? you done? My kingdom is not from this world. If my My kingdom is not from this world. If my My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my kingdom were from this world, my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me followers would be fighting to keep me followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. from being handed over to the Jews. from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from But as it is, my kingdom is not from But as it is, my kingdom is not from here. here. here. >> So you are a king. >> So you are a king. >> So you are a king. >> You say that I am a king. For this I was >> You say that I am a king. For this I was >> You say that I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world born and for this I came into the world born and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth. to testify to the truth. to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth Everyone who belongs to the truth Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. listens to my voice. listens to my voice. >> What is truth?

>> What is truth? >> What is truth? After he had said this, Pilate went out After he had said this, Pilate went out After he had said this, Pilate went out to the Jews again and told them, to the Jews again and told them, to the Jews again and told them, >> "I find no case against him, >> "I find no case against him, >> "I find no case against him, but you have a custom that I release but you have a custom that I release but you have a custom that I release someone for you at Passover." someone for you at Passover." someone for you at Passover." "Do you want me to release for you the "Do you want me to release for you the "Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?" king of the Jews?" king of the Jews?" >> they shouted in reply, >> they shouted in reply, >> they shouted in reply, >> "Not this man, but Barabus." >> "Not this man, but Barabus." >> "Not this man, but Barabus." Now, Barabus was a bandit. Then Pilate Now, Barabus was a bandit. Then Pilate Now, Barabus was a bandit. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the took Jesus and had him flogged. And the took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wo a crown of thorns and put it soldiers wo a crown of thorns and put it soldiers wo a crown of thorns and put it on his head. And they dressed him in a on his head. And they dressed him in a on his head. And they dressed him in a purple robe. purple robe. purple robe. They they kept coming up to him, saying, They they kept coming up to him, saying, They they kept coming up to him, saying, >> "Hail, King of the Jews." >> "Hail, King of the Jews." >> "Hail, King of the Jews." >> And they struck him on the face. Pilate >> And they struck him on the face. Pilate >> And they struck him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, went out again and said to them, went out again and said to them, >> "Look, I am bringing him out to you to >> "Look, I am bringing him out to you to >> "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against let you know that I find no case against let you know that I find no case against him."

him." him." >> So Jesus came out wearing the crown of >> So Jesus came out wearing the crown of >> So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, to them, to them, >> "Here is the man." >> "Here is the man." >> "Here is the man." When the chief priests and the police When the chief priests and the police When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, saw him, they shouted, saw him, they shouted, >> "Crucify him! Crucify him!" >> "Crucify him! Crucify him!" >> "Crucify him! Crucify him!" >> Pilate said to them, >> Pilate said to them, >> Pilate said to them, >> "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I >> "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I >> "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no case against him." find no case against him." find no case against him." They answered him, They answered him, They answered him, >> "We have a law, and according to that >> "We have a law, and according to that >> "We have a law, and according to that law, he ought to die because he has law, he ought to die because he has law, he ought to die because he has claimed to be the son of God." claimed to be the son of God." claimed to be the son of God." >> Now when Pilate heard this, he was more >> Now when Pilate heard this, he was more >> Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his c his afraid than ever. He entered his c his afraid than ever. He entered his c his headquarters again and asked Jesus, headquarters again and asked Jesus, headquarters again and asked Jesus, >> "Where are you from?" >> "Where are you from?" >> "Where are you from?" >> But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate >> But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate >> But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, therefore said to him, therefore said to him, >> "Do you refuse to speak to me?

>> "Do you refuse to speak to me? >> "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to Do you not know that I have power to Do you not know that I have power to release you and power to crucify you? release you and power to crucify you? release you and power to crucify you? You would have no power over me unless You would have no power over me unless You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above. it had been given you from above. it had been given you from above. Therefore, the one who handed me over to Therefore, the one who handed me over to Therefore, the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." you is guilty of a greater sin." you is guilty of a greater sin." From then on, Pilate tried to release From then on, Pilate tried to release From then on, Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, him, but the Jews cried out, him, but the Jews cried out, >> "If you release this man, you are no >> "If you release this man, you are no >> "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. friend of the emperor. friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets Everyone who claims to be a king sets Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor." himself against the emperor." himself against the emperor." When Pilate heard these words, he When Pilate heard these words, he When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the brought Jesus outside and sat on the brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called the judge's bench at a place called the judge's bench at a place called the stone pavement, or in Hebrew, Gabbatha. stone pavement, or in Hebrew, Gabbatha. stone pavement, or in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of preparation for Now it was the day of preparation for Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover, and it was about noon. the Passover, and it was about noon. the Passover, and it was about noon. Pilate said to the Jews, Pilate said to the Jews, Pilate said to the Jews, >> "Here is your king."

>> "Here is your king." >> "Here is your king." >> They cried out, >> They cried out, >> They cried out, >> "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify >> "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify >> "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, him!" Pilate asked them, him!" Pilate asked them, >> "Shall I crucify your king?" >> "Shall I crucify your king?" >> "Shall I crucify your king?" >> The chief priests answered, >> The chief priests answered, >> The chief priests answered, >> "We have no king but the emperor." >> "We have no king but the emperor." >> "We have no king but the emperor." >> Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to >> Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to >> Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and be crucified. So they took Jesus and be crucified. So they took Jesus and carrying the cross by himself, he went carrying the cross by himself, he went carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the place of the out to what is called the place of the out to what is called the place of the skull, which in Hebrew is called skull, which in Hebrew is called skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgatha. Golgatha. Golgatha. There they crucified him with with him There they crucified him with with him There they crucified him with with him and with him two others, one on either and with him two others, one on either and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate side, with Jesus between them. Pilate side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put also had an inscription written and put also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of on the cross. It read, "Jesus of on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the people read this inscription Many of the people read this inscription Many of the people read this inscription because the place where Jesus was because the place where Jesus was because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city and it was crucified was near the city and it was crucified was near the city and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin and in written in Hebrew, in Latin and in written in Hebrew, in Latin and in Greek. Then the chief priests and the Greek. Then the chief priests and the Greek. Then the chief priests and the Jews said to Pilate, Jews said to Pilate, Jews said to Pilate, >> "Do not write the king of the Jews. But >> "Do not write the king of the Jews. But >> "Do not write the king of the Jews. But this man said, I am king of the Jews."

this man said, I am king of the Jews." this man said, I am king of the Jews." Pilate answered, Pilate answered, Pilate answered, >> "What I have written, I have written." >> "What I have written, I have written." >> "What I have written, I have written." >> When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, >> When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, >> When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them they took his clothes and divided them they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. into four parts, one for each soldier. into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic. Now the tunic They also took his tunic. Now the tunic They also took his tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from was seamless, woven in one piece from was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, the top. So they said to one another, the top. So they said to one another, >> "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for >> "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for >> "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to it to see who will get it." This was to it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says. They fulfill what the scripture says. They fulfill what the scripture says. They divided my clothes among themselves, and divided my clothes among themselves, and divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. And that for my clothing they cast lots. And that for my clothing they cast lots. And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were standing near the cross of Jesus were standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister Mary, his mother and his mother's sister Mary, his mother and his mother's sister Mary, the wife of Clus and Mary Magdalene. the wife of Clus and Mary Magdalene. the wife of Clus and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the When Jesus saw his mother and the When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside disciple whom he loved standing beside disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, her, he said to his mother, her, he said to his mother, >> "Woman, here is your son."

>> "Woman, here is your son." >> "Woman, here is your son." >> Then he said to the disciple, >> Then he said to the disciple, >> Then he said to the disciple, >> "Here is your mother." And from that >> "Here is your mother." And from that >> "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his hour the disciple took her into his hour the disciple took her into his home, his own home. After this, when home, his own home. After this, when home, his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, in Jesus knew that all was now finished, in Jesus knew that all was now finished, in order to fulfill the scripture, he said, order to fulfill the scripture, he said, order to fulfill the scripture, he said, >> "I am thirsty." >> "I am thirsty." >> "I am thirsty." >> A jar full of sour wine was standing >> A jar full of sour wine was standing >> A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the there. So they put a sponge full of the there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hip and held it up wine on a branch of hip and held it up wine on a branch of hip and held it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received to his mouth. When Jesus had received to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, the wine, he said, the wine, he said, >> "It is finished." >> "It is finished." >> "It is finished." >> Then he bowed his head and gave up his >> Then he bowed his head and gave up his >> Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of preparation, Since it was the day of preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the Jews did not want the bodies left on the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the Sabbath, especially the cross during the Sabbath, especially the cross during the Sabbath, especially because that Sabbath was a day of great because that Sabbath was a day of great because that Sabbath was a day of great somnity. somnity. somnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of So they asked Pilate to have the legs of So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies the crucified men broken and the bodies the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. removed. removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the Then the soldiers came and broke the Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who legs of the first and of the other who legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when had been crucified with him. But when had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was they came to Jesus and saw that he was they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his already dead, they did not break his already dead, they did not break his legs. legs. legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and side with a spear, and at once blood and side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. water came out. water came out. He who saw this had testified so that He who saw this had testified so that He who saw this had testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is you also may believe. His testimony is you also may believe. His testimony is true and he knows that he tells the true and he knows that he tells the true and he knows that he tells the truth. These things occurred so that truth. These things occurred so that truth. These things occurred so that scripture might be fulfilled. None of scripture might be fulfilled. None of scripture might be fulfilled. None of his bones shall be broken. his bones shall be broken. his bones shall be broken. And again, another passage of scripture And again, another passage of scripture And again, another passage of scripture says they will look on the one whom they says they will look on the one whom they says they will look on the one whom they have pierced.

have pierced. have pierced. And after these things, Joseph of Arya, And after these things, Joseph of Arya, And after these things, Joseph of Arya, who was a disciple of Jesus, although a who was a disciple of Jesus, although a who was a disciple of Jesus, although a secret one because of his fear of the secret one because of his fear of the secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission. So he came and removed his permission. So he came and removed his permission. So he came and removed his body. body. body. Nicodemus who had at first come to Jesus Nicodemus who had at first come to Jesus Nicodemus who had at first come to Jesus by night also came bringing a mixture of by night also came bringing a mixture of by night also came bringing a mixture of myrr and allows weighing about a hundred myrr and allows weighing about a hundred myrr and allows weighing about a hundred weight. They took the body of Jesus and weight. They took the body of Jesus and weight. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices and linen wrapped it with the spices and linen wrapped it with the spices and linen cloths according to the burial custom of cloths according to the burial custom of cloths according to the burial custom of the Jews. the Jews. the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place Now there was a garden in the place Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified. And in the where he was crucified. And in the where he was crucified. And in the garden there was a new tomb in which no garden there was a new tomb in which no garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. one had ever been laid. one had ever been laid. And so because it was the Jewish day of And so because it was the Jewish day of And so because it was the Jewish day of preparation and the tomb was nearby, preparation and the tomb was nearby, preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Praise to be Jesus Christ. Praise to be Jesus Christ. >> Dear brothers and sisters, I'd like to >> Dear brothers and sisters, I'd like to >> Dear brothers and sisters, I'd like to warmly welcome you to our celebration warmly welcome you to our celebration warmly welcome you to our celebration this afternoon. As you notice that the this afternoon. As you notice that the this afternoon. As you notice that the celebration, the service began with celebration, the service began with celebration, the service began with great somnity and in silence at 3:00, great somnity and in silence at 3:00, great somnity and in silence at 3:00, the hour that our divine Lord the hour that our divine Lord the hour that our divine Lord passed away. passed away. passed away. And I'd like to welcome you all and And I'd like to welcome you all and And I'd like to welcome you all and thank you for coming and especially the thank you for coming and especially the thank you for coming and especially the knights and the dames of the holy knights and the dames of the holy knights and the dames of the holy seilker who are helping us out with the seilker who are helping us out with the seilker who are helping us out with the liturgy. liturgy. liturgy. We gather this afternoon in prayer, We gather this afternoon in prayer, We gather this afternoon in prayer, faith, and devotion faith, and devotion faith, and devotion to honor the death of our Lord Jesus to honor the death of our Lord Jesus to honor the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. We commemorate today We commemorate today We commemorate today the worst thing that ever happened, the worst thing that ever happened, the worst thing that ever happened, the worst sin that was ever committed, the worst sin that was ever committed, the worst sin that was ever committed, putting to death the son of God. putting to death the son of God. putting to death the son of God. And yet in another sense, And yet in another sense, And yet in another sense, the day the same atrocious, violent, and the day the same atrocious, violent, and the day the same atrocious, violent, and unspeakable crime took place is referred unspeakable crime took place is referred unspeakable crime took place is referred to as Good Friday.

to as Good Friday. to as Good Friday. It is good because the Lord with his It is good because the Lord with his It is good because the Lord with his love love love transformed this act of infamy transformed this act of infamy transformed this act of infamy into the glorification of God, into the glorification of God, into the glorification of God, obtaining forgiveness for our sins obtaining forgiveness for our sins obtaining forgiveness for our sins and salvation for all who call upon his and salvation for all who call upon his and salvation for all who call upon his holy name. holy name. holy name. We do well to meditate prayerfully We do well to meditate prayerfully We do well to meditate prayerfully reflect upon the passion narratives reflect upon the passion narratives reflect upon the passion narratives paying particular attention to the seven paying particular attention to the seven paying particular attention to the seven words of Jesus from the cross. One of words of Jesus from the cross. One of words of Jesus from the cross. One of these seven sacred words is especially these seven sacred words is especially these seven sacred words is especially striking and mysterious. striking and mysterious. striking and mysterious. It is finished. It is finished. It is finished. John 19:30 which we read we always read John 19:30 which we read we always read John 19:30 which we read we always read the passion according to St. John on the passion according to St. John on the passion according to St. John on Good Friday, Good Friday, Good Friday, it is finished. it is finished. it is finished. But what is the it But what is the it But what is the it is finished?

is finished? is finished? In the Greek text, it's rendered into In the Greek text, it's rendered into In the Greek text, it's rendered into one word only. It's from the word teleo which whose It's from the word teleo which whose meaning includes to bring to completion meaning includes to bring to completion meaning includes to bring to completion paid in full. paid in full. paid in full. When Jesus uttered these words he was When Jesus uttered these words he was When Jesus uttered these words he was declaring that the debt of mankind the declaring that the debt of mankind the declaring that the debt of mankind the debt of sin was wiped away completely debt of sin was wiped away completely debt of sin was wiped away completely and forever. and forever. and forever. And this has a fully positive value. It And this has a fully positive value. It And this has a fully positive value. It does not express the idea of exhaustion does not express the idea of exhaustion does not express the idea of exhaustion or defeat as much as it points to or defeat as much as it points to or defeat as much as it points to something which has been brought to something which has been brought to something which has been brought to completion. It has reached its purpose, completion. It has reached its purpose, completion. It has reached its purpose, fulfilled its goal. fulfilled its goal. fulfilled its goal. Furthermore, the verb in the original Furthermore, the verb in the original Furthermore, the verb in the original Greek is in the perfect tense, which Greek is in the perfect tense, which Greek is in the perfect tense, which does not refer to just an action that does not refer to just an action that does not refer to just an action that happened in the past, over and done happened in the past, over and done happened in the past, over and done with, signed, steal, and delivered, but with, signed, steal, and delivered, but with, signed, steal, and delivered, but it demonstrates an action that took it demonstrates an action that took it demonstrates an action that took place in the past, but that continues in place in the past, but that continues in place in the past, but that continues in the present.

From an existential and purely human From an existential and purely human horizontal horizontal horizontal reasoning, reasoning, reasoning, it would make more sense if Jesus would it would make more sense if Jesus would it would make more sense if Jesus would say, "I am finished." say, "I am finished." say, "I am finished." But Jesus taught clearly and repeatedly But Jesus taught clearly and repeatedly But Jesus taught clearly and repeatedly that he came among us, to us, and for us that he came among us, to us, and for us that he came among us, to us, and for us to fulfill the will of the father. to fulfill the will of the father. to fulfill the will of the father. Jesus had finished the work that the Jesus had finished the work that the Jesus had finished the work that the father had given him to do on the cross. father had given him to do on the cross. father had given him to do on the cross. He accomplished his mission and as his He accomplished his mission and as his He accomplished his mission and as his death reconciled us with the father, death reconciled us with the father, death reconciled us with the father, renewed us as his beloved gracefilled renewed us as his beloved gracefilled renewed us as his beloved gracefilled disciples disciples disciples restored our relationship with him as restored our relationship with him as restored our relationship with him as well as the image of God that was marred well as the image of God that was marred well as the image of God that was marred due to sin. due to sin. due to sin. It's the work of redemption that took It's the work of redemption that took It's the work of redemption that took effect. Reconciliation, Reconciliation, renewal, renewal, renewal, restoration, restoration, restoration, redemption.

redemption. redemption. The achievement of Jesus's mission also The achievement of Jesus's mission also The achievement of Jesus's mission also involved all of the ancient prophecies involved all of the ancient prophecies involved all of the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament that now came to of the Old Testament that now came to of the Old Testament that now came to fulfillment in him and in his mission. fulfillment in him and in his mission. fulfillment in him and in his mission. Consequently, the words of Jesus are not Consequently, the words of Jesus are not Consequently, the words of Jesus are not melancholy. melancholy. melancholy. They celebrate not torment They celebrate not torment They celebrate not torment but victory. but victory. but victory. Christ carried out his saving mission to Christ carried out his saving mission to Christ carried out his saving mission to the end. the end. the end. He was faithful. He was focused. He was He was faithful. He was focused. He was He was faithful. He was focused. He was selfless. He was strong to his last selfless. He was strong to his last selfless. He was strong to his last breath. breath. breath. He is the redeemer of us all. He bought He is the redeemer of us all. He bought He is the redeemer of us all. He bought us back at the price of his own most us back at the price of his own most us back at the price of his own most precious blood. precious blood. precious blood. By his wounds, we are healed as we heard By his wounds, we are healed as we heard By his wounds, we are healed as we heard in today's first reading from Isaiah. in today's first reading from Isaiah. in today's first reading from Isaiah. And this victory And this victory And this victory is fulfilled. This fulfilled mission is fulfilled. This fulfilled mission is fulfilled. This fulfilled mission opens us up to hope.

opens us up to hope. opens us up to hope. It is finished. Is the true face of It is finished. Is the true face of It is finished. Is the true face of Christian hope. Christian hope. Christian hope. And we can now hope and we must hope for And we can now hope and we must hope for And we can now hope and we must hope for everything and everyone. everything and everyone. everything and everyone. Therefore, as the second readings Therefore, as the second readings Therefore, as the second readings the letter to the Hebrews encourages us, the letter to the Hebrews encourages us, the letter to the Hebrews encourages us, let us approach the throne of grace let us approach the throne of grace let us approach the throne of grace with boldness with boldness with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find so that we may receive mercy and find so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. grace to help in time of need. grace to help in time of need. There's an ancient There's an ancient There's an ancient community of monks and nuns in the community of monks and nuns in the community of monks and nuns in the Catholic Church. It's called the Catholic Church. It's called the Catholic Church. It's called the Carthusian Order. Carthusian Order. Carthusian Order. It was founded in the 11th century by It was founded in the 11th century by It was founded in the 11th century by St. Bruno known as a man with a deep St. Bruno known as a man with a deep St. Bruno known as a man with a deep heart heart heart and its motto in Latin is and its motto in Latin is and its motto in Latin is stop cruv oris oris that is the cross stands while the world that is the cross stands while the world that is the cross stands while the world turns and revolves around it. This turns and revolves around it. This turns and revolves around it. This saying has many layers of meaning. Now saying has many layers of meaning. Now saying has many layers of meaning. Now the cross stands the cross stands the cross stands start cru the cross stands because the start cru the cross stands because the start cru the cross stands because the cross has a permanent place in our human cross has a permanent place in our human cross has a permanent place in our human lives and in our life as faith life of lives and in our life as faith life of lives and in our life as faith life of faith as Catholic Christians.

faith as Catholic Christians. faith as Catholic Christians. On the cross it appeared On the cross it appeared On the cross it appeared it appeared that God had been defeated. it appeared that God had been defeated. it appeared that God had been defeated. And so often we see in the media, And so often we see in the media, And so often we see in the media, perhaps in our own lives, relationships perhaps in our own lives, relationships perhaps in our own lives, relationships and work, that goodness appears to be and work, that goodness appears to be and work, that goodness appears to be crushed. crushed. crushed. Jesus was mercilessly killed on that Jesus was mercilessly killed on that Jesus was mercilessly killed on that Friday afternoon just outside of Friday afternoon just outside of Friday afternoon just outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. And yet And yet And yet the cross endures. the cross endures. the cross endures. The cross stands because it is The cross stands because it is The cross stands because it is sustained. But what does not change? sustained. But what does not change? sustained. But what does not change? His love. His love. His love. Because his love truly endures forever. Because his love truly endures forever. Because his love truly endures forever. The world as we know and partake in it The world as we know and partake in it The world as we know and partake in it truly revolves and changes. truly revolves and changes. truly revolves and changes. Alliances, Alliances, Alliances, priorities, priorities, priorities, fashions, public opinion fashions, public opinion fashions, public opinion come and go. come and go. come and go. And yet for believers, And yet for believers, And yet for believers, for ch the children of our heavenly for ch the children of our heavenly for ch the children of our heavenly father and followers of our crucified father and followers of our crucified father and followers of our crucified and resurrected Lord, the still point and resurrected Lord, the still point and resurrected Lord, the still point lies in the cross.

lies in the cross. lies in the cross. The sign of a faithful, a loyal, a The sign of a faithful, a loyal, a The sign of a faithful, a loyal, a loving, a caring God loving, a caring God loving, a caring God who sustains us, who sustains us, who sustains us, who walks with us, who walks with us, who walks with us, who cries with us, who cries with us, who cries with us, who gives us grace. who gives us grace. who gives us grace. This never passes away. This never passes away. This never passes away. Though in some respects our contemporary Though in some respects our contemporary Though in some respects our contemporary culture might seem as if it is spinning culture might seem as if it is spinning culture might seem as if it is spinning out of control and with it every new out of control and with it every new out of control and with it every new idea and influencer in social media. idea and influencer in social media. idea and influencer in social media. Nevertheless, men and women of faith, Nevertheless, men and women of faith, Nevertheless, men and women of faith, we know that the cross of Jesus still we know that the cross of Jesus still we know that the cross of Jesus still stands as the unchangeable stands as the unchangeable stands as the unchangeable center of our lives, center of our lives, center of our lives, the unchangeable center of our faith the unchangeable center of our faith the unchangeable center of our faith communities. The danger communities. The danger communities. The danger is missing is missing is missing this s this centeredness and this rock this s this centeredness and this rock this s this centeredness and this rock solid foundation of our existence due to solid foundation of our existence due to solid foundation of our existence due to the many distractions the many distractions the many distractions that assail us.

that assail us. that assail us. But today is Good Friday. But today is Good Friday. But today is Good Friday. The focus is on the cross is on the hope The focus is on the cross is on the hope The focus is on the cross is on the hope is that the solidity of Jesus's love on is that the solidity of Jesus's love on is that the solidity of Jesus's love on the cross the cross the cross carries us through and beyond the sins carries us through and beyond the sins carries us through and beyond the sins that separate us from friendship with that separate us from friendship with that separate us from friendship with him. him. him. The ritual of the unveiling and the The ritual of the unveiling and the The ritual of the unveiling and the veneration of the cross which we will veneration of the cross which we will veneration of the cross which we will celebrate momentarily after the 10 celebrate momentarily after the 10 celebrate momentarily after the 10 solemn intercessions solemn intercessions solemn intercessions relates that something is happening in relates that something is happening in relates that something is happening in our life that is countercultural in our our life that is countercultural in our our life that is countercultural in our world as it spins along seeking position world as it spins along seeking position world as it spins along seeking position prestige and power. prestige and power. prestige and power. It is the cross or rather Jesus on the It is the cross or rather Jesus on the It is the cross or rather Jesus on the cross and his love expressed in a cross and his love expressed in a cross and his love expressed in a sacrificial way that unlocks sacrificial way that unlocks sacrificial way that unlocks the authentic meaning of our life of our the authentic meaning of our life of our the authentic meaning of our life of our identity and our mission.

identity and our mission. identity and our mission. It is finished. It is finished. It is finished. Consumat Consumat Consumat mission accomplished. mission accomplished. mission accomplished. And now that mission is handed over to And now that mission is handed over to And now that mission is handed over to us to continue us to continue us to continue to continue the life that Jesus led to continue the life that Jesus led to continue the life that Jesus led to love with his heart, to love with his heart, to love with his heart, to think with his mind, to think with his mind, to think with his mind, to serve with his hands, and to bring to serve with his hands, and to bring to serve with his hands, and to bring about his kingdom of truth and life, of about his kingdom of truth and life, of about his kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, holiness and grace, holiness and grace, of justice, love, and peace. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have because by your holy cross you have because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Please stand for the solemn Please stand for the solemn intercessions. Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy church of God, that our God and holy church of God, that our God and holy church of God, that our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace, to Lord be pleased to give her peace, to Lord be pleased to give her peace, to guard her, and to unite her throughout guard her, and to unite her throughout guard her, and to unite her throughout the whole world. and grant that leading the whole world. and grant that leading the whole world. and grant that leading our life in tranquility and quiet, we our life in tranquility and quiet, we our life in tranquility and quiet, we may glorify God the Father Almighty. may glorify God the Father Almighty. may glorify God the Father Almighty. Let us kneel.

Almighty everliving God, who in Christ Almighty everliving God, who in Christ revealed your glory to all the nations, revealed your glory to all the nations, revealed your glory to all the nations, watch over the works of your mercy that watch over the works of your mercy that watch over the works of your mercy that your church spread throughout all the your church spread throughout all the your church spread throughout all the world may persevere with steadfast faith world may persevere with steadfast faith world may persevere with steadfast faith in confessing your name through Christ in confessing your name through Christ in confessing your name through Christ our Lord. Amen. our Lord. Amen. our Lord. Amen. >> Let us stand. Let us pray also for our most holy Let us pray also for our most holy father, Pope Leo, that our God and Lord, father, Pope Leo, that our God and Lord, father, Pope Leo, that our God and Lord, who chose him for the order of bishops, who chose him for the order of bishops, who chose him for the order of bishops, may keep him safe and unharmed for the may keep him safe and unharmed for the may keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord's holy church to govern the holy Lord's holy church to govern the holy Lord's holy church to govern the holy people of God. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, by whose decree Almighty everliving God, by whose decree all things are founded, look with favor all things are founded, look with favor all things are founded, look with favor on our prayers, and in your kindness, on our prayers, and in your kindness, on our prayers, and in your kindness, protect the Pope chosen for us, that protect the Pope chosen for us, that protect the Pope chosen for us, that under him the Christian people governed under him the Christian people governed under him the Christian people governed by you, their maker, may grow in merit, by you, their maker, may grow in merit, by you, their maker, may grow in merit, by reason of their faith through Christ by reason of their faith through Christ by reason of their faith through Christ our Lord.

Let us pray also for our bishop Francis, Let us pray also for our bishop Francis, for all bishops, priests, and deacons of for all bishops, priests, and deacons of for all bishops, priests, and deacons of the church, and for the whole of the the church, and for the whole of the the church, and for the whole of the faithful people. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, by whose spirit Almighty everliving God, by whose spirit the whole body of the church is the whole body of the church is the whole body of the church is sanctified and governed, hear our humble sanctified and governed, hear our humble sanctified and governed, hear our humble prayer for your ministers, that by the prayer for your ministers, that by the prayer for your ministers, that by the gift of your grace, all may serve you gift of your grace, all may serve you gift of your grace, all may serve you faithfully through Christ our Lord. faithfully through Christ our Lord. faithfully through Christ our Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Let us stand. Let us pray also for our catechumans Let us pray also for our catechumans that our God and Lord may open wide the that our God and Lord may open wide the that our God and Lord may open wide the ears of their inmost hearts and unlock ears of their inmost hearts and unlock ears of their inmost hearts and unlock the gates of his mercy. That having the gates of his mercy. That having the gates of his mercy. That having received forgiveness of all their sins received forgiveness of all their sins received forgiveness of all their sins through the waters of rebirth, they too through the waters of rebirth, they too through the waters of rebirth, they too may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord.

may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord. may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, who make your Almighty everliving God, who make your church ever fruitful with new offspring, church ever fruitful with new offspring, church ever fruitful with new offspring, increase the faith and understanding of increase the faith and understanding of increase the faith and understanding of our catechumans our catechumans our catechumans that reborn in the font of baptism, they that reborn in the font of baptism, they that reborn in the font of baptism, they may be added to the number of your may be added to the number of your may be added to the number of your adopted children, through Christ our adopted children, through Christ our adopted children, through Christ our Lord. Let us pray also for all our brothers Let us pray also for all our brothers and sisters who believe in Christ that and sisters who believe in Christ that and sisters who believe in Christ that our God and Lord may be pleased as they our God and Lord may be pleased as they our God and Lord may be pleased as they live the truth to gather them together live the truth to gather them together live the truth to gather them together and keep them in his one church. Let us and keep them in his one church. Let us and keep them in his one church. Let us kneel.

Almighty everliving God, who gather what Almighty everliving God, who gather what is scattered and keep together what you is scattered and keep together what you is scattered and keep together what you have gathered, look kindly on the flock have gathered, look kindly on the flock have gathered, look kindly on the flock of your son, that those whom one baptism of your son, that those whom one baptism of your son, that those whom one baptism has consecrated may be joined together has consecrated may be joined together has consecrated may be joined together by integrity of faith and united in the by integrity of faith and united in the by integrity of faith and united in the bond of charity. Through Christ our bond of charity. Through Christ our bond of charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray also for the Jewish people Let us pray also for the Jewish people to whom the Lord our God spoke first to whom the Lord our God spoke first to whom the Lord our God spoke first that he may grant them to advance in that he may grant them to advance in that he may grant them to advance in love of his name and in faithfulness to love of his name and in faithfulness to love of his name and in faithfulness to his covenant. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, who bestowed Almighty everliving God, who bestowed your promises on Abraham and his your promises on Abraham and his your promises on Abraham and his descendants, descendants, descendants, graciously hear the prayers of your graciously hear the prayers of your graciously hear the prayers of your church, that the people you first made church, that the people you first made church, that the people you first made your own may attain the fullness of your own may attain the fullness of your own may attain the fullness of redemption.

redemption. redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray also for those who do not Let us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ that enlightened by believe in Christ that enlightened by believe in Christ that enlightened by the Holy Spirit they too may enter on the Holy Spirit they too may enter on the Holy Spirit they too may enter on the way of salvation. the way of salvation. the way of salvation. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, grant to those Almighty everliving God, grant to those who do not confess Christ, who do not confess Christ, who do not confess Christ, that by walking before you with a that by walking before you with a that by walking before you with a sincere heart, they may find the truth, sincere heart, they may find the truth, sincere heart, they may find the truth, and that we ourselves, being constant in and that we ourselves, being constant in and that we ourselves, being constant in mutual love, and striving to understand mutual love, and striving to understand mutual love, and striving to understand more fully the mystery of your life, may more fully the mystery of your life, may more fully the mystery of your life, may be made more perfect witnesses to your be made more perfect witnesses to your be made more perfect witnesses to your love in the world. love in the world. love in the world. through Christ our Lord. Amen.

>> Let us pray also for those who do not >> Let us pray also for those who do not acknowledge God that following what is acknowledge God that following what is acknowledge God that following what is right in sincerity of heart, they may right in sincerity of heart, they may right in sincerity of heart, they may find the way to God himself. find the way to God himself. find the way to God himself. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, who created all Almighty everliving God, who created all people to seek you always by desiring people to seek you always by desiring people to seek you always by desiring you and by finding you come to rest. you and by finding you come to rest. you and by finding you come to rest. Grant we pray that despite every harmful Grant we pray that despite every harmful Grant we pray that despite every harmful obstacle obstacle obstacle all may recognize the signs of your all may recognize the signs of your all may recognize the signs of your fatherly love and the witness of the fatherly love and the witness of the fatherly love and the witness of the good works done by those who believe in good works done by those who believe in good works done by those who believe in you and so in gladness confess you the you and so in gladness confess you the you and so in gladness confess you the one true God and father of our human one true God and father of our human one true God and father of our human race through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray also for those in public Let us pray also for those in public office that our God and Lord may direct office that our God and Lord may direct office that our God and Lord may direct their minds and hearts according to his their minds and hearts according to his their minds and hearts according to his will for the true peace and freedom of will for the true peace and freedom of will for the true peace and freedom of all. Let us kneel. Almighty your everliving God, in whose Almighty your everliving God, in whose hand lies every human heart and the hand lies every human heart and the hand lies every human heart and the rights of peoples, rights of peoples, rights of peoples, look with favor, we pray, on those who look with favor, we pray, on those who look with favor, we pray, on those who govern with authority over us, that govern with authority over us, that govern with authority over us, that throughout the whole world, the throughout the whole world, the throughout the whole world, the prosperity of peoples, the assurance of prosperity of peoples, the assurance of prosperity of peoples, the assurance of peace, and freedom of religion may peace, and freedom of religion may peace, and freedom of religion may through your gift be made secure. through your gift be made secure. through your gift be made secure. Through Christ our Lord. Let us pray dearly beloved to God the Let us pray dearly beloved to God the Father Almighty that he may cleanse the Father Almighty that he may cleanse the Father Almighty that he may cleanse the world of all errors, banish disease, world of all errors, banish disease, world of all errors, banish disease, drive out hunger, drive out hunger, drive out hunger, unlock prisons, unlock prisons, unlock prisons, loosen fetterss, loosen fetterss, loosen fetterss, granting to travelers safety to pilgrims granting to travelers safety to pilgrims granting to travelers safety to pilgrims return return return health to the sick and salvation to the health to the sick and salvation to the health to the sick and salvation to the dying.

dying. dying. Let us kneel. Almighty everliving God, comfort of Almighty everliving God, comfort of mourers, mourers, mourers, strength of all who toil, strength of all who toil, strength of all who toil, may the prayers of those who cry out in may the prayers of those who cry out in may the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation come before you. that any tribulation come before you. that any tribulation come before you. that all may rejoice because in their hour of all may rejoice because in their hour of all may rejoice because in their hour of need your mercy was at hand through need your mercy was at hand through need your mercy was at hand through Christ our Lord. Amen. We now have the annual collection on We now have the annual collection on Good Friday. And as we know, every year Good Friday. And as we know, every year Good Friday. And as we know, every year the collection on Good Friday goes for the collection on Good Friday goes for the collection on Good Friday goes for the needs of the Holy Land. And we know the needs of the Holy Land. And we know the needs of the Holy Land. And we know how most regrettably how most regrettably how most regrettably the land of our Lord Jesus is suffering the land of our Lord Jesus is suffering the land of our Lord Jesus is suffering so much and in so many ways. So let us so much and in so many ways. So let us so much and in so many ways. So let us support the church's efforts and work in support the church's efforts and work in support the church's efforts and work in the land of our Lord. Please be seated.

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At the Savior's command and formed by At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. who trespass against us. who trespass against us. >> Lead us not into temptation, but deliver >> Lead us not into temptation, but deliver >> Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. Graciously grant peace from every evil. Graciously grant peace from every evil. Graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your in our days that by the help of your in our days that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and mercy we may be always free from sin and mercy we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress as we await the safe from all distress as we await the safe from all distress as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our savior Jesus Christ.

Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. takes away the sins of the world. takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only you should enter under my roof, but only you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, my soul shall be healed.

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Almighty everliving God, who have restored us to life, by the blessed restored us to life, by the blessed restored us to life, by the blessed death and resurrection of your Christ, death and resurrection of your Christ, death and resurrection of your Christ, preserve us in us the work of your preserve us in us the work of your preserve us in us the work of your mercy, that by partaking of this mercy, that by partaking of this mercy, that by partaking of this mystery, we may have a life unceasingly mystery, we may have a life unceasingly mystery, we may have a life unceasingly devoted to you. devoted to you. devoted to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. There will be personal veneration of the There will be personal veneration of the cross which is an important feature in cross which is an important feature in cross which is an important feature in today's celebration. If you would like today's celebration. If you would like today's celebration. If you would like to come forward to venerate the the to come forward to venerate the the to come forward to venerate the the cross, please form two lines in the cross, please form two lines in the cross, please form two lines in the center aisle and please follow the center aisle and please follow the center aisle and please follow the instructions of the hospitality instructions of the hospitality instructions of the hospitality ministers. May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray, May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray, descend upon your people who have descend upon your people who have descend upon your people who have honored the death of your son honored the death of your son honored the death of your son and the hope of their resurrection.

and the hope of their resurrection. and the hope of their resurrection. May pardon come, May pardon come, May pardon come, comfort be given, holy faith increase, comfort be given, holy faith increase, comfort be given, holy faith increase, and everlasting redemption be made and everlasting redemption be made and everlasting redemption be made secure. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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