Good Friday

An annotated version of the holy Gospel according to John 18:1-19:42 (from the Magnificat Lenten Companion, 2013)

“Jesus went out with his disciples […to a] garden […]. Judas his betrayer also knew the place […]. The band of soldiers […] seized Jesus.
[…] Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “[…] I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” […]
And [Pilate] said to them, “Behold, the man!” When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out “Crucify him, crucify him!” […]
So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself, he went out to what is called [Golgotha]. There they crucified him. […]
Standing by the cross of Jesus [was] his mother […]. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” […]
[Jesus] said, It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. […]”

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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

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A passage from “The Way of the Cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Sixth Station, by Mother Marie des Doulers, as seen in the Magnificat Lenten Companion, 2013

Sixth Station: A Holy Woman Wipes the Face of Jesus

Veronica followed the impulse of her heart and did not ask herself what the people around her would think of her gesture.

You also, go ahead, allow yourself to be enkindled by the Holy Spirit and never again fall into this miserable human respect. Be entirely simple, and do the least little things in the best way you can, without solicitude for those who see you, solely occupied with him who suffers, who loves and waits for you. Each one of your minutes can be a reparation if you seek nothing but the face of your Bridegroom. May nothing frighten you, may nothing prevent you from accomplishing everything most perfectly. (emphasis added)