Christ Speaks

Can you imagine what a crucifixion is?

My executioners stretch my arms;
they hold my hand and wrist against
the wood
and press the nail until it stabs my flesh.
Then, with one heavy hammer smash,
they drive it through --
and pain
bursts like a bomb of fire in my brain.

They seize the other arm;
and agony again explodes.

Then raising up my knees
so that my feet are flat against the wood,
they hammer them fast, too.

The Eleventh Station
Jesus is Crucified

I Reply

My God,
I look at you and think:
Is my soul worth this much?

What can I give you in return?

I here and now accept
for all my life whatever sickness,
torment, agony may come.
To every cross I touch my lips.

O blessed cross that lets me be --
with you --
a co-redeemer of humanity.