His legacy to the Church.
The desire of Jesus as he dies is that the maternal love of Mary should embrace all those for whom he is giving his life, the whole of humanity.
Immediately after, Jesus cries out: I am thirsty (Jn 19:28). A word which describes the dreadful burning which consumes his whole body.
It is the one word which refers directly to his physical suffering.
Then Jesus adds: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Mt 27:46; cf. Ps 22:2). These words of the Psalm are his prayer. Despite their tone, these words reveal the depths of his union with the Father.
In the last moments of his life on earth, Jesus thinks of the Father. From this moment on, the dialogue will only be between the dying Son and the Father who accepts his sacrifice of love.
When the ninth hour comes, Jesus cries out: It is accomplished! (Jn 19:30).
Now the work of the redemption is complete.
The mission, for which he came on earth, has reached its goal.
The rest belongs to the Father:
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Lk 23:46).
And having said this, he breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two... (Mt 27:51).
The Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple is opened at the moment when it is entered by the Priest of the New and Eternal Covenant.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ,
in the moment of your agony
you were not indifferent to humanitys fate,
and with your last breath
you entrusted to the Fathers mercy
the men and women of every age,
with all their weaknesses and sins.
Fill us and the generations yet to come
with your Spirit of love,
so that our indifference
will not render vain in us
the fruits of your death.
To you, crucified Jesus, the wisdom and the power of God,
be honour and glory for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
All:
Our Father ...
Stabat Mater:
She looked upon her sweet Son,
saw him hang in desolation,
till his spirit forth he sent.