Hopefully, you will have some time to be still today and place yourself at the foot of the cross using this devotion.

Cross: Lord, have mercy on us.

Invitatory Bead: “They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means Skull Place. They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he didn’t take it. They crucified him. They divided up his clothes, drawing lots for them to determine who would take what. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The notice of the formal charge against him was written, ‘The king of the Jews.’ They crucified two outlaws with him, one on his right and one on his left.” (Mark 15:22 – 28, CEB)

Resurrection Bead: Silence.

1st Cruciform Bead: “Those who were walking by insulted Jesus, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, were you? Save yourself! If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross.'” (Matthew 27:39 – 40, CEB)

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to notice the people who are present at the crucifixion. Hear their taunts. Feel the tension.

2nd Cruciform Bead: ”From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. At three, Jesus cried out with a loud shout, ‘Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani,’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you left me?'” (Mark 15:33 – 34, CEB)

2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to see Jesus in his agony. Hear his cries. Feel the oppressive darkness and despair that cover the earth.

3rd Cruciform Bead: ”Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood near the cross.” (John 19:25, CEB)

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to see Jesus’ mother and other family and friends as they witness his crucifixion. Feel their own despair and agony.

4th Cruciform Bead: “Crying out in a loud voice, Jesus said, ‘Father, into your hands I entrust my life.’ After he said this, he breathed for the last time.” (Luke 23: 46, CEB)

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to watch as Jesus dies. What is happening? What do you see? How do you feel?

Resurrection Bead: Silence

Invitatory Bead: Silence

Cross: Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.