After Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, a great crowd with swords and clubs, led by Judas, one of the Twelve disciples who will betray Him, enters the Garden and seizes Him. (Matthew 26: 36-50)

Peter, another of the Twelve disciples, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s slave. Jesus orders Peter to put his sword away, saying:

“’Put your sword back, for all who take the sword will perish. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?’” (Matthew 26: 51-54)

A Roman legion at full strength had approximately 6,000 soldiers. So, that’s a minimum of 72,000 angels that Jesus can call upon for assistance.

And yet Jesus does not call for the angels. Instead, He quietly and willingly turns Himself over to the crowd, knowing that His decision to accept God’s plan will end in His Crucifixion. (Matthew 26: 36-56)

From the Cross, in absolute agony, Jesus says these words aloud:

“”Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23: 34)

Jesus asks God to not only forgive those who have crucified Him – Jesus begs the Father’s forgiveness for all of us – those who have gone before us, those here now, and those yet to enter the world. He prays and intercedes for all of humanity, from the Cross.

Before He dies, Jesus looks down from the Cross at his beloved Mother, Mary and disciple, John, and says these words:

“’Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your Mother!’” (John 19: 26)

Before He dies, Jesus reminds us of His Commandment to love one another – and positions His Mother as a powerful intercessor for all of us.

For centuries scholars, theologians, historians, believers, and non-believers have asked what would compel someone — and particularly the Son of God — to willingly accept death by Crucifixion?

In considering Jesus’ final actions and words from the Cross, we find our answer:

LOVE.

Dearest Jesus, Song that the Angels sing, how deeply we adore Thee and love Thee.

Fair and wise judge Jesus, forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of others.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of all goodness, our souls long for You.

Gentle and faithful Shepherd, lead us to see the face of God.