The Way of the Cross Music & Readings for Lent & Passiontide

Please sit.JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTSReaderA reading from the Gospel according to John.The soldiers took his clothes and divided them into four parts,one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic wasseamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to oneanother, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will getit." This was to fulfil what the scripture says, "They divided myclothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots."The choir sings Vexilla regis prodeunt by Venantius Fortunatus (530–609)Silence is kept.The royal banners forward go, the cross shines forth in mystic glow, wherehe in flesh, our flesh who made, our sentence bore our ransom paid. Wheredeep for us the spear was dyed, life’s torrent rushing from his side, to washus in that precious flood, where mingled water flowed, and blood. O Tree ofbeauty, Tree of light, O Tree with royal purple dight, Elect on whosetriumphal breast those holy limbs should find their rest! To thee, eternalThree in One, let homage meet by all be done: whom by thy Cross thou dostrestore, preserve and govern evermore. Amen.Trans. J.M. Neale (1818–66)Please stand with the priest.PriestAllwe adore you, O Christ, and we bless youbecause by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.PriestAllLet us pray.Almighty Father,look with mercy on this your familyfor which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayedand given up into the hands of sinnersand to suffer death upon the cross;who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever.Amen.Please remain standing for the rest of the service.