Reading: (Isaiah 53:8-10)

By oppression and judgement he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grace with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violent action and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to Bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Christ Speaks

I have fallen down again. Completely drained of strength, my body cannot move, and yet my will is mine and so is yours. My child, this one thing is certain: your body may be broken but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.

Congregation

My Lord, after a moment rest you took off again and staggered on. I can do the same because my will is mine. When all my strength is gone, and guilt and self-reproach press me to earth and seem to hold me fast; when I am pressed down by the consideration that I am of a fallen race, protect me from the sin of judas, save me from despair, Lord. Never let me feel that any sin of mine is greater than your love. No matter what my past has been, I can begin anew.

Glory be to the Father...

V. Hame mercy on us, O Lord!
R. Have mercy on us!
V. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.