Mortal

   Friday of the Passion of the Lord   

Readings

Listen to the Lord’s appeal: 

         Do not be afraid.  

This cross inflicts a mortal injury, 

         not on me, but on death.  

These nails no longer pain me, 

         but only deepen your love for me.  

I do not cry out because of these wounds, 

         but through them I draw you into my heart.  

My body was stretched on the cross as a symbol, 

         not of how much I suffered, but of my all-embracing love.  

Saint Peter Chrysologus