After three hours of excruciating pain Jesus declares that what he came to do through the cross has now been accomplished. By his death he does what the Letter to the Hebrews calls “entering the greater and more perfect tabernacle” with his own blood, and thus becomes the mediator of the covenant. As we stand alongside the mother of Jesus beneath the cross, let us remember that we are members of Christ’s family. Pray for those who fear death, that they may be encouraged and strengthened by the death of Jesus.

Almighty Father, hear our prayer and look with mercy on this your family for which our Lord Jesus Christ was ready to be betrayed into the hands of sinners and to suffer death on the cross; who is alive, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.

Holy God
Holy and strong
Holy and immortal
Have mercy on us all.