BEFORE THE HIGH ALTAR

"Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen." [Luke 24:5]

Christ Jesus was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names. [Phil. 2:8, 9]

Spend a few moments in silent reflection:   - I have followed Jesus in his sufferings. How has this changed me in my relationship with God and with my fellow men and women?   - I hope to share in Christ's resurrection. Am I prepared also to to share his suffering, to die to sin and live always in him?

Dómine Jesu Christe fili Dei vivi, concéde, quæso, ut, Viam Crucis sequéndo, ad resurrectiónis tuæ glóriam perdúcar; et mihi largíri dígneris grátiam et misericórdiam: vivis et defúnctis requiem et veniam: Ecclésiæ tuæ pacem et concórdiam, et nobis peccatóribus vitam et glóriam sempitérnam. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo patre in unitáte spíritus sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum. Amen. [Adapted from a medieval Book of Hours]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, grant, I pray, that by following the Way of the Cross I may be brought to the glory of your resurrection; and deign to grant me grace and mercy: to grant the living and the dead rest and pardon: to grant your Church peace and harmony, and to grant us sinners everlasting life and glory. For you are God, living and reigning with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.