The afternoon was quiet and still when all gathered at 3 p.m. for the celebration of the Passion. The Word of God was proclaimed, the intercessions for the world prayed, the showing of the holy cross was adored, and all then received Holy Communion.

How do we respond differently to all this, how can we respond with love and mercy like Jesus shows us today? Jesus never fought back, he allowed the violence to touch him. “In a time like ours, so torn by hatred and violence, where even the name of God is invoked to justify wars and decisions of death, we Christians are called to approach the Cross of the Lord. We are to do so without fear and with full confidence, knowing that the “throne” from which one learns to reign, is that where we placing our lives at the service of others.” Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap