Thirty-third Day
The first words which Our Lord utters after a long silence, are words of mercy, and a prayer for forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus prays for His enemies, for His executioners, before He speaks a word of comfort to His holy Mother. He looks for no revenge, casts no threats at them, does not complain of their inhuman conduct. He only thinks that by His prayer He may save them. In the meantime the thief on His right acknowledges his faults, defends the Lord, and begs for mercy, which he receives on the spot with a promise of being with Christ in paradise on that very day. The centurion also acknowledges the divinity of Christ, and many who are around the cross strike their breasts, and are converted. Now that the sacrifice had been offered Jesus sees His Mother at the foot of the cross, and the disciple whom He loved. Turning to Mary He said “Woman, behold thy son,” and to the disciple, “behold thy Mother,” and from that hour John, as a dutiful son, took Mary under his protection.
Prayer.
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, etc., etc.