I have not known during my life pain as felt by the "suffering servant" or the "agony in the garden". The suffering for the sake of my sins has yet to come to me. I didn't want to suffer so have denied my sins, but they and I am always known. My suffering to come has already been alleviated by Him who humbled Himself even to death. Today's readings contain all that we need to know or do. How can I face their immensity.

Dear Lord let the pains you suffered during this week be known by your servants and not just be part of a familiar story of times past.

Everything necessary about our lives can be found in the liturgies of these days. The intensity of the emotions that fill me are impossible to maintain. Our priests need more grace than I can stand to meet what it is you ask of them. I can aim for holiness but it is the holiness won by the torture and death of the  cross and so I cannot bear it.

Let me this day strive to do your will and let the grace poured out at Calvary be not wasted.