Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world
Leader: Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder “Let him be crucified!” . . . . Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Matthew 27:22-23, 26
All: Lord you were condemned to death because fear of what other people may think suppressed the voice of conscience. So too, throughout history, the innocent have always been maltreated, condemned and killed. How many times have we ourselves preferred success to the truth, our reputation to justice? Strengthen the quiet voice of our conscience, your own voice, in our lives. Look at me as you looked at Peter after his denial. Let your gaze penetrate our hearts and indicate the direction our lives must take. On the day of Pentecost you stirred the heart of those who, on Good Friday, clamored for your death and you brought them to conversion. In this way you gave hope to all. Grant us, ever anew, the grace of conversion.
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory be . . .
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed