Station Six: Last Breath
Friday, April 3
Reading: Mark 15:33 – 41
33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
40There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
[image_frame style=”reflect_shadow” align=”left” alt=”Golgotha, 1917. Franz von Stuck” title=”Golgotha, 1917. Franz von Stuck” height=”305″ width=”320″]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/vonStuckGolgotha.jpg[/image_frame]Prayer
Lord Jesus, you died on the cross and entered the bleakest of all circumstances: grant peace to those who die at the hands of others. In death you entered into the darkest place of all: illumine our darkness with your glorious presence. To you, Jesus, your lifeless body hanging on the tree of shame, be honor and glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
