Jesus is taken down from the Cross
In the presence of angels, I sing to you. I bow down before your holy temple. (Ps 138, 2)
Over the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem I shall pour out a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look to me. They will mourn for the one they have pierced. (Zech 12, 10)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. ‘Take it and eat;’ he said, ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ (Mt 26, 26–28)
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him. As the living Father sent me, and I draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will also draw life from me. (Jn 6, 56–57)
Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal, side by side. With anyone who proves victorious I will share my throne, just as I was myself victorious and have shared my Father’s throne. (Rev 3, 20–21)
Lord Jesus, your lifeless body was taken down from the Cross and given into your mother’s arms. As your first disciple, she is Mother of the Church which receives your living Body in the Eucharist, a sign and promise of the fullness of life with you in the bosom of the Father. By her intercession may we continue to bring you to birth in our world.
Loving Lord, I desire always to live in you. Make me worthy to receive you and then remake me in your own image. I open the door of my heart to you, that nourished by your Body and Blood, I might learn to take my place in, and contribute to, a strengthening faith community.
Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy.
