Stations of The Cross - Thirteenth Station

           Jesus dies on the cross.

                 Mark 15: 34 – 37

A man on a cross is about to die,

While the world seems to be holding its breath.

On the hill the afternoon sun grows dim –

Suffused red, to those gathered for his death.

It seems he is taking the light with him.

In the suspense comes the startling cry:

         “Eloi, eloi, lama, sabachthani!”

The soldiers pause and look up from their dice.

Their Centurion asks from John an explanation

Of that cry – with its awful desolation,

When before he had promised a paradise?

None there could then know the crowning sorrow,

Of the human cost of the Incarnation.

He grows weak, and is just able to speak,

He thirsts, so a vinegar sponge is held

To his lips, as those around the cross:

Mary, the women, John, can now only watch

As he surrenders into the Logos.

It is time, he can finally let go

“Father, into your hands I now commit my spirit”.

He bows his head: “It is finished”.

 I heard him cry, before he died.

 Then came that dread darkened sun,

 And the rushing wind, so uncanny,

 That my men were spooked, and some fled.

 But no, a spear thrust in his side,

 Ensured that their Messiah had died.

 Maybe he was their god’s son, though I

 Won’t deny, an innocent man perished.

Image  from Wikimedia Commons: Jörn Droemann.

          © D G Moody 2023