- Adoramus te Christe et benedicimus tibi (We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee)
- Quia per Crucem tuam redemisti mundum (For by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
In Roman times, criminals were punished by crucifixion. It was a death of dishonour and shame. The condemned died by suffocation.
Jesus is not only condemned to crucifixion; He has to carry His own cross. They want to make a spectacle of Him for the people.
Jesus carries the cross, but not because His executioners force Him. He receives it from the hands of the Father. Thus, He takes it away from the malice and the intention to annihilate Him and erase His memory. On the contrary! The cross becomes the sign of victory over the powers of darkness; of the victory of love over hatred.
Each step of Jesus towards Calvary is a step towards the redemption of humanity. He is only able to endure the torments because He loves the Father infinitely and keeps His gaze fixed on Him. He came into the world to fulfil His will and glorifies Him with every step.
And Jesus loves men infinitely, even when they treat Him with indifference, reject Him or even mock Him. Jesus goes on His way, step by step. The Father will sustain Him until He reaches His destination: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” (Ps 23:4).
Prayer: “Lord, graciously grant us salvation and peace, that your Church, having overcome all obstacles and errors, may serve you in full freedom, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit and is God for ever and ever. Amen.”
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be