"Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34) 

Biblical Context 

The Crucifixion is the culmination of Jesus’ earthly mission, the moment when He gives everything out of love. After enduring betrayal, false accusations, and brutal torture, Jesus is led to Golgotha, the "Place of the Skull," where He is nailed to the cross. The weight of His body hangs from the nails driven through His hands and feet. Every breath is agonizing, yet even in this suffering, His words are filled with mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” 

 As He hangs on the cross, the bystanders mock Him: “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” (Matthew 27:40). Yet, Jesus does not come down. He remains, persevering in His mission to the very end. The world sees the cross as defeat, but Jesus transforms it into victory. With His last breath, He cries out: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46). At that moment, the temple veil is torn in two, and the way to God is opened for all. 

The Crucifixion reveals both the depth of Jesus’ perseverance and the boundless mercy of God. He does not abandon His mission, even when it costs Him everything. Instead, He forgives, offering salvation to all who turn to Him. 

Reflection & Meaning 
The virtue associated with this mystery is perseverance and mercy. Jesus did not stop loving, even when love meant suffering. His perseverance was not just endurance—it was an active, unwavering commitment to love to the very end. When we face difficulties in our own lives—whether it be sickness, rejection, or trials in faith—we are called to imitate Jesus’ perseverance, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding, even when we do not understand. Jesus' mercy, too, knows no limits. From the Cross, He forgave those who crucified Him. His mercy is radical, extending to the very people who mocked and tortured Him. He shows us that mercy is not given because someone deserves it, but because love demands it. We are called to that same mercy, forgiving even when it feels impossible. St. Alphonsus Liguori reflects on Jesus’ perseverance, writing, “What kept Jesus on the cross? It was not the nails, but His love for you.” Every moment He remained on the cross was a decision to love us, to see beyond the pain and offer salvation. St. Augustine echoes this saying: “The cross was not the end, but the passage. It was the bridge that leads to resurrection.” Jesus teaches us that suffering, when embraced in love, leads not to despair but to new life. 

Practical Application 
How can we live out perseverance and mercy in our daily lives? 
1. Persevering Through Life’s Crosses - We all carry crosses—illness, financial struggles, difficult relationships, moments of spiritual dryness. Jesus’ example teaches us to persevere in faith, even when we feel abandoned. When faced with suffering, we can pray: “Jesus, help me remain faithful as You remained faithful.” 
2. Extending Mercy to Others - Is there someone in our lives we struggle to forgive? Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the cross. He calls us to do the same. Mercy is not a feeling but a choice. When resentment arises, we can ask, “Jesus, teach me to forgive as You forgave.” 
3.Trusting in God’s Plan - Jesus surrendered Himself completely to the Father. In times of uncertainty, we can follow His example, saying, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Trusting God does not mean we will always understand His plan, but it means believing that He is leading us to something greater. 
At St. Michael Parish, we are called to be a community of perseverance and mercy. We support one another in faith, helping each other carry our crosses. We seek to be a people of forgiveness, knowing that mercy transforms hearts. 

Testimony: St. Padre Pio 
A powerful witness to perseverance and mercy is St. Padre Pio (1887–1968), a Capuchin friar who bore the wounds of Christ—the stigmata—for fifty years. His life was marked by immense suffering, yet he remained faithful to God’s will. 
From a young age, Padre Pio experienced great physical pain, including chronic illness and spiritual attacks. Despite this, he never abandoned his calling as a priest. He spent hours in the confessional, offering mercy to all who came to him. When asked how he endured his suffering, he simply said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” 
Like Jesus, Padre Pio was often misunderstood and falsely accused. Even members of the Church questioned his stigmata, and for a time, he was forbidden from publicly celebrating Mass. Yet, he never responded with anger. Instead, he forgave, offering his suffering as a prayer for others. 
One of the most moving stories of his mercy occurred when a man came to him, weeping, saying he had committed terrible sins. Instead of condemnation, Padre Pio embraced him, saying, “God’s mercy is greater than your sins. Go and sin no more.” 
Padre Pio lived out the Crucifixion in his own life, enduring suffering with love and extending mercy without limit. He teaches us that perseverance and mercy are not just virtues for saints—they are the path to holiness for all of us. 

Final Encouragement 
The Crucifixion is not just a moment in history—it is an invitation to live differently. Jesus shows us that true love is not easy, but it is worth everything. This week, let us take His words to heart: “Father, forgive them.” May we persevere in love, even when it is hard. May we offer mercy, even when it is undeserved. And when we feel weak, let us remember St. Padre Pio’s advice: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” 

Lord, help us to persevere in faith, to love without limits, and to forgive as You forgave. Amen.