John 19:16-22,26-30 NRSVue
16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus,
17and carrying the cross by himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20Many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
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Reflection on John 19:16-22,26-30
Inspiration from 2024-03-29 Daily Prayer
The Passion can appear like a tragedy, and from a human perspective it is, but it is so much more than that. It is Jesus’ incredible act of self-giving, sacrificial love which is the gateway to our liberation, healing, freedom and redemption. I allow myself to reflect on this amazing fact…
There is so much that is revealed to us about God and his plan for humanity, through the Passion and Death of Jesus. I take a moment to see what speaks to me – is it where Jesus says “I thirst”? What does this stir in me? What is he really thirsting for? Or maybe it is where he tells his mother that his beloved disciple is now her son, and to his disciple, that Mary is now his mother… This may lead me to reflect on who Mary is for me… I may also like to take time today to read the full account of the Passion, John 18:1–19:42. What touches me and speaks to me at this time? I allow God to reveal something new to me through his Holy Spirit…