14 Thanks yous

At the end of the Stations of the Cross held at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, these 14 thank yous were offered as a concluding prayer. The 2nd Station had a reference to Malta, which embarrassed me to say the least. In fact I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Times of Malta which you can read at the end of this list. The Stations this year had reflections by various people who suffered some form of humiliation. Pope Francis did not attend because of cold weather, especially since he was still recovering from bronchitis.

Lord Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you became silent for us.  And in the silence that leads us to your tomb, there is still a word that we want to say to you, recalling the journey of the Stations of the Cross we have travelled with you: thank you!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the meekness that overwhelms arrogance.

Thank you, for the courage with which you embraced the cross.

Thank you, for the peace that flows from your wounds.

Thank you, for having given us your holy Mother to be our Mother as well.

Thank you, for the love shown in the face of betrayal.

Thank you, for turning tears into smiles.

Thank you, for having loved everyone without excluding anyone.

Thank you, for the hope you instil in time of trial.

Thank you, for the mercy that heals sufferings.

Thank you, for stripping yourself of everything to enrich us.

Thank you, for having transformed the cross into the tree of life.

Thank you, for the forgiveness you offered your executioners.

Thank you, for having defeated death.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the light you kindled in our nights.  In reconciling all divisions, you made us all brothers and sisters, children of the same Father who is in heaven.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/letters-editor-april-12-2023.1024670