“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Pilate said:  “I am innocent of this man’s blood.  It is your concern.”  Mt 27:24

Remember….

…those condemned unjustly…those sentenced by members of governments and society because of their faith

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, …and you will find rest for your souls.”  Mt 11:28

Remember….

…those carrying a heavy cross in life without murmuring, inspired by Christ

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Psalmist said:  “I was pressed, pressed about to fall, but Yahweh came to my help.”  Ps 118:13

Remember….

…those carrying a heavy cross in life without murmuring, inspired by Christ

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, is my brother and sister and mother.”  Mt 12:50

Remember….

…your own mother …all called to be a mother to others …all expectant mothers

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Matthew wrote:  “A man from Cyrene, Simon by name, was forced to carry his cross.”  Mt 27:32

Remember….

…those who assist others in life without being recognized …those who give of themselves that others’ burdens are lightened

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “What you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.”  Mt 25:40

Remember….

…those reaching out to the marginalized of society …those helping Aids victims, prisoners, minorities

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “If anyone wants to be my follower, …let him take up his cross and follow me.”  Mt 16:24

Remember….

…those who lack the courage and strength to overcome addictions, personal shortcomings, sinfulness, and find themselves back in their old habits and behavior

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children.”  Lk 23:28

Remember….

…families who are struggling with any kind of difficulties and problems …women oppressed by society, Church, work force, spouses…

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Paul wrote:  “The Lord says:  My grace is enough for you; my power is at its best in weakness.”  2 Cor 12:9

Remember….

…those who have given up and see no purpose and meaning in life

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Psalmist said:  “They shared out my clothing among them, they cast lots for my clothes.”  Ps 22:18

Remember….

…those sisters and brothers stripped of their dignity

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.”  Lk 23:34

Remember….

…those who find themselves trapped in difficult situations and see no way out

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “It is accomplished – and bowing his head he gave up his spirit.”  Jn 19:30

Remember….

…the lonely…the dying…those who have no one to be with in their final hours of life’s journey

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said:  “I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.”  Jn 12:24

Remember….

…those facing death without hope of eternal life …those who will die unexpectedly