We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You because by Your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Meditation
   It was early Friday morning when I saw my son.  That was the first glimpse I had of him since they took him away.  His bruised and bleeding skin sent a sword of pain deep into my heart and tears down my cheeks.  Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment, asked the crowd why they wanted my son executed.  All around me they shouted, "Crucify him!"  I wanted to plead with them to stop, but I knew this had to be.  So I stood by and cried silently.

Prayer
   Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to imagine the anguish your mother felt at your condemnation.  But what about today, when I hold a grudge ...?  "Crucify him!"  When I judge others...?  "Crucify him!"  Doesn't this bring tears of anguish to both you and your mother?  Forgive me, Jesus.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be