St. Francis Office of the Passion—Nones, Good Friday—Jesus is taken down from the cross.
St. Francis’ Psalm 6
PSALM 6
O all of you who pass along the way
look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow (Lm 1:12a-b).
For many dogs have surrounded me
a pack of evildoers has closed in on me (Ps 21:17).
They have looked and stared upon me
they have divided my garments among them
and for my tunic they have cast lots (Ps 21:18b-19).
They have pierced my hands and my feet
they have numbered all my bones (Ps 21:17c-18a).
They have opened their mouth against me
like a lion raging and roaring (Ps 21:14).
I am poured out like water
and all of my bones have been scattered (Ps 21:15a-b).
And my heart has become like melting wax
in the midst of my bosom (Ps 21:15c).
My strength is dried up liked baked clay
and my tongue clings to my jaws (Ps 21:16a-b).
And they have given gall as my food
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink (Ps 68:22).
And they have led me into the dust of death (cf. Ps 21:16c)
and they have added grief to my wounds (Ps 68:27b).
I have slept and have risen (Ps 3:6)
and my most holy Father has received me with glory (cf. Ps 72:24c).
Holy Father (Jn 17:11), you have held my right hand
and you have led me with your counsel (Ps 72:24).
For what is there in heaven for me
and besides you what do I want on earth (Ps 72:25)?
See, see that I am God, says the Lord
I shall be exalted among the nations
and I shall be exalted on the earth (cf. Ps 45:11).
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel (Lk 1:68a),
who has redeemed the souls of his servants
with his very own most holy Blood
and who will not abandon all who hope in him (Ps 33:23).
And we know, for he comes,
for he will come to judge justice (cf. Ps 95:13b).
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Lent with Saint Francis – By your Holy Cross
Easter Triduum: Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13—53:12;
Psalm 31:2, 6, 12–13, 15–16, 17, 25;
Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9;
John 18:1—19:42
“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.” —John 19:34 NRSV
Page Summary: C/O AI
- Passion Narrative: The passage from John 18:1—19:42 is traditionally read on Good Friday, focusing on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ1. It emphasizes the event as not just a tragedy but as the pivotal moment of glorification for the Son of God, linking heaven and earth.
- St. Francis of Assisi: The text reflects on how St. Francis meditated on the Passion of Christ, not as an act of suffering but as a profound connection with Christ’s sacrifice. His devotion began with prayer before the San Damiano cross and culminated in receiving the stigmata, symbolizing deep unity with Christ’s suffering2.
- Call to Worship: The excerpt includes a call to worship and adoration of Jesus Christ, acknowledging the redemption brought forth by the crucifixion, and it encourages humility and service in following Christ’s example.
- Message of Hope: The readings conclude with a message of hope and blessing for those who follow God’s will, assuring them of protection from the ‘second death’ and calling for praise and humility before God.
References: franciscanmedia.org
Meditation
St. Francis of Assisi, known for his spirituality and love for Christ, found intense meaning in contemplating the Passion. Rather than a mere masochistic practice, it was a way for him to take part in the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Through this contemplation, he sought to unite his own life with the redeeming work of Jesus.
In his Testament, St. Francis expressed this connection eloquently. Let us reflect on his words:
“I buried myself in the passion of Christ,” wrote Blessed Angela of Foligno, “and I was given the hope that in it I would find my liberation.” 1
St. Francis understood that the Passion was not just a chronological event but a living reality that extended beyond time. His contemplation of Jesus’ anguish in the Garden of Olives at Gethsemane marked the beginning of his journey through the Passion. Here are some insights from St. Francis’s reflections:
In the context of Gethsemane’s history, the combined voices of the evangelists echo the deep sadness experienced by Jesus among the olive trees. This moment, imprinted into the chronicles of faith, is not merely a past event but a perpetual narrative, as St. Leo the Great profoundly observed, extending the Passion’s reach to the very boundaries of eternity. It summons believers to dive deep into the depths of Christ’s suffering, to emerge metamorphosed by its redeeming power.
The Sacred Triduum models our understanding of sacrifice and redemption, serving as a testament to a significant historical event that is both isolated and current. The Passion, thus, becomes a cornerstone of our daily existence, infusing our lives with its enduring significance.
Renewal is at the heart of the Christian journey, as St. Francis of Assisi knew well. The kerygma, or the proclamation of Christ’s passion and death, is not just foundational but transformative. It is in the consideration of Christ’s suffering where the faithful find the core of their belief, leading to a personal transformation. As the Lenten days unfold, let us walk alongside St. Francis, allowing the Passion to shape our hearts, drawing us ever closer to the deep mystery of divine love and salvation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
RETRIEVING SAINT FRANCIS:
For by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praised be You my Lord and give him thanks
And serve him with great humility -Amen
Tradition and Innovation for Our
Ecological Vocation
Keith Douglass Warner, OFM
References:
- penance-library. (n.d.). Meditation on the Passion. [online] Available at: https://www.franciscanpenancelibrary.com/meditation-on-the-passion [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
- Warner, K. (n.d.). CHAPTER 6 RETRIEVING SAINT FRANCIS: Tradition and Innovation for Our Ecological Vocation. [online] Available at: https://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/kwarner/Fran-WarnerRetrieving.pdf#:~:text=Woe%20to%20those%20who%20die%20in%20mortal%20sin. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
- www.franciscanmedia.org. (2021). Lent with St. Francis: ‘By Your Holy Cross’ | Franciscan Media. [online] Available at: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/lent-with-st-francis-by-your-holy-cross/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].