MONTH of the PASSION
The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus’ sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ’s passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Catherine of Siena.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, by your Passion and Resurrection you brought life to the world. But the glory of the Resurrection came only after the sufferings of the Passion. You laid down your life willingly and gave up everything for us. Your body was broken and fastened to a Cross, our clothing became the prize of soldiers, your blood ebbed slowly but surely away, and your Mother was entrusted to the beloved disciple. Stretched out on the Cross, deprived of all earthly possessions and human aid, racked with pain and burning with fever, you cried out to your Father that the end had come. You had accomplished the work given you, and you committed into his hands, as a perfect gift, the little life that remained to you. Lord, teach me to accept all afflictions after the example you have given. Let me place my death in yours and my weakness in your abandonment. Take hold of me with your love— that same “foolish” love that knew no limits— and let me offer myself to the Father with you so that I may rise with you to eternal life.
Dear Lord Jesus, by your Passion and Resurrection you brought life to the world. But the glory of the Resurrection came only after the sufferings of the Passion. You laid down your life willingly and gave up everything for us. Your body was broken and fastened to a Cross, our clothing became the prize of soldiers, your blood ebbed slowly but surely away, and your Mother was entrusted to the beloved disciple. Stretched out on the Cross, deprived of all earthly possessions and human aid, racked with pain and burning with fever, you cried out to your Father that the end had come. You had accomplished the work given you, and you committed into his hands, as a perfect gift, the little life that remained to you. Lord, teach me to accept all afflictions after the example you have given. Let me place my death in yours and my weakness in your abandonment. Take hold of me with your love— that same “foolish” love that knew no limits— and let me offer myself to the Father with you so that I may rise with you to eternal life.