Now they are crucifying our Lord, and with him two thieves, one on his right and one on his left. Meanwhile, Jesus says:
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (LK 23:34).
It is Love that has brought Jesus to Calvary. And, on the cross, all his gestures, all his words are of love, a love both calm and strong.
With a gesture befitting an eternal priest without father or mother, without lineage (cf. Hb 7:3), he opens his arms to the whole human race.
With the hammer blows with which Jesus is being nailed, there resound the prophetic words of holy Scripture: They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones, they stare and gloat over me (Ps 21:17-18).
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I saddened thee? Answer me! (Mi 6:3).
And we, our souls rent with sorrow, say to Jesus in all sincerity: I am your, and I give my whole self to you; gladly I accept being nailed myself to your cross, ready to be in the crossroads of this world a soul dedicated to you, to your glory, to the work of Redemption, the co-redemption of the whole human race.