"behold the man!" (jn 19:5, our transl.)
"There was in Him no stately bearing to make us look at Him." —Isaiah 53:2
"When I behold the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride."
When I behold the One Whom I have pierced, I myself shall be pierced through, convicted of my sins, and lament bitterly (Jn 19:37; Zec 12:10; Rv 1:7).
When I behold His appearance marred "beyond that of mortals" (Is 52:14), I will be startled, "stand speechless," and repent (Is 52:15).
When I behold Jesus, the Son of Man, lifted up, I will come to realize that He is the I AM, God (Jn 8:28). I will believe in Him and have eternal life (Jn 3:14-15).
When I behold Jesus Christ "displayed to view upon His cross" (Gal 3:1), I will receive the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:2).
When I behold Jesus on the cross, on this Good Friday, at the Veneration of the Cross, I will...
Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All!
Promise: "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need." —Heb 4:16
Praise: (none)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997