We adore thee, O Christ, and we praise thee.
Because by thy holy Cross, thou hast redeemed the world

Reading
Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture),
"I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there, so they put a sponge
full of vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus
had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished", and he
bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19. 28-30

Meditation
It must have seemed as if Jesus had failed. But what looks, to those standing by,
like weakness, is His free and sovereign exercise of power in choosing to
give up His breath. Soon He will choose to come again to His disciples -
He who at the last day will come again to be our judge.

Lord, have mercy.    Christ, have mercy.    Lord, have mercy.