The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion is stark and sombre yet full of rich beauty in all its simplicity, made starker today maybe by our inability to gather together. Since lockdown, the liturgical celebrations have occurred in solitary fashion in the smaller Lady Chapel. However, today it seemed apt to return to the nave altar. Perhaps the following words and images will enable you to be drawn in some small way into the celebrations of these days.
“Remember your mercies, O Lord, and with your eternal protection sanctify your servants, for whom Christ your Son, by the shedding of his Blood, established the Paschal Mystery.”“Almighty, ever-living God, comfort of mourners, strength to all who toil, may the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation come before you, that all may rejoice, because in their hour of need your mercy was at hand.” “This is the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world. Come let us adore.”“I gave you saving water from the rock to drink, and for drink you gave me gall and vinegar”“I fed you with manna in the desert, and one me your rained blows and lashes.”“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed”“We adore your cross, O lord, we praise and glorify your holy Resurrection, for behold, because of the wood of a tree joy has come to the whole world.”“My people, what have I done to you? Or how have I grieved you? Answer me!”
St Mary the Virgin, Cardiff 