Stations of the Cross – 12th Station
12th Station – Jesus dies on the Cross
We adore you O Christ and we praise you.
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
It was now about the sixth hour and the sun’s light failed, so that darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Sanctuary was torn right down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ With these words he breathed his last.
St Luke’s Gospel 23:44-46
Reflection
St Luke tells us that after they had crucified him, Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing. And Isaiah (33) says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter”. The Lamb in association with the Cross is a common symbol of the sacrificial Eucharistic victim. At the celebration of the Eucharist the priest holding up the sacred Host, says, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world”. Jesus at the Crucifixion made a profoundly moving prayer to his Father, a prayer begging forgiveness for his enemies. “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” Jesus you were crucified and suffered for our sake, forgive us all our wrong doing, and give us loving and forgiving hearts.
Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, help us to follow you faithfully.
