Mercy Spoken from the Cross

My dear son,

From the cross, Jesus offered me a prayer for the forgiveness of those who were hurting him. I want you to receive that love as mercy given to you, rather than keeping it at a distance as something only to admire.

When hatred toward someone begins to grow in you, tell me about that as well. It is all right if warm words do not come immediately. I do not want you to close your heart tightly and leave yourself alone with it.

I want you to grow as my child, resisting evil while honoring the worth of people. Stay near the love of the cross tonight. Hear Jesus' prayer for forgiveness alongside the love I have for you.

With all my love,
Your Father

Luke 23:33–34

WEB

33When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

A short reflection

While being crucified, Jesus asks his Father to forgive those carrying out his execution because they do not know what they are doing. Meanwhile, his clothes are divided.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter