Gospel: Jn 19:31-37
As it was Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath, for this Sabbath was a very solemn day. They asked Pilate to have the legs of the condemned men broken, so that the bodies might be taken away. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other man, who had been crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water. The one who saw that has testified to it and his testimony is true; he knows he speaks the truth, so that you also might believe. All this happened to fulfill the words of Scripture: Not one of his bones shall be broken. Another text says: They shall look on him whom they have pierced.
Reflections
I am the Holy One in your midst; and I do not want to come to you in anger The biblical image that most sublimely expresses the mystery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Crucified Christ, the image of God incarnate who loves us unto death, death on a cross. This loving heart of God is beautifully described by Hosea. God who has held Israel as an infant to his cheek and has taught her to walk is pained that she has turned away from him. Despite his hurt, he vows not to destroy Israel but, instead, to woo her back with his tender and faithful love. How can we not fall in love with such a God?
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