Sorrowful Mystery: the Crucifixion

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Before surrendering his soul on the Cross, Jesus said: "It is finished." What an intense moment for every Christian, when suffering morphs into hope.

The fruit of this mystery is to have a greater love for Jesus who died for our salvation. 

'Lord, remember me in your kingdom.' But before he had laid aside the burden of his sins by confessing them did the thief dare to say the words 'Remember me in your kingdom.' Do you not see the value of that confession? It opened paradise! It gave the formed brigand the confidence to seek admission to the kingdom!

That the cross brings us untold blessings is surely obvious. Have you set your heart upon a kingdom? Then tell me, can you see any such thing? All that meets the eye are nails and a cross, and yet this very cross, Christ says, is the symbol of the kingdom. I proclaim him King, therefore, because I see him crucified, for it becomes a king to die for his subjects. He himself said that 'the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep,' and so the good King too lays down his life for his subjects. Christ laid down his life, and that is why I proclaim him King: Lord, remember me in your kingdom. 

Do you not see, then, how the cross symbolizes the kingdom? If you desire further proof, it lies in the fact that the cross did not leave Christ earthbound, but lifted him up and carried him back to heaven. We know this because at his glorious second coming the cross will be with him. He called it his glory to teach you how sacred it is. 'When the son of Man comes, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.' Such a blaze of light will there be that even the brightest stars will be eclipsed. 'Then the stars will fall, and the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven.' So you see the power of the sign of the cross!

When a king is entering a city, his soldiers take up their standards, and, carrying them aloft across their shoulders, go before him to announce his coming. So also shall the armies of angels and archangels precede the Lord when he comes from heaven. Bearing his sign on their shoulders, they will proclaim the coming of the King - St. John Chrysostom, Homily on the Cross and the Thief.

Prayer intention: for the victims of abuse

Father, we entrust to Your healing care all person victim of sexual abuse and/or power abuse from Church persons or Church institutions. We lay before You their suffering, including having been ignored by the Church authorities, thus allowing the injury to be perpetuated on them or others. 

Please lay Your hand on them, relieve their immense pain, and heal their wounds. Grant these persons to fully recover and blossom. May this extremely traumatizing contact with the Church not prevent them from knowing Your special love for them. Please put in their life people who will support them, who will show them the real face of Your Son within the Church. Finally, grant them to find one day the strength, with Your grace, to forgive their torturer. 

With Mary and Saint Michael Archangel, we ask You in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Let us pray:

One Our Father.

Ten Hail Mary.

The special prayers to the Blessed Virgin and St. Michael Archangel by clicking on the button "Pray" below.

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Picture: Double-side Byzantine icon with Crucifixion and Hodegetria, 14th century. 

Community prayer

Sub Tuum Praesidium & Prayer to Saint Michael Archangel

Under your protection "We fly to Thy protection, O holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen." St. Michael prayer “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

Thank you! 97 people prayed

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6

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The 20 mysteries of the Rosary

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