Pr.: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

All: Because by your holy Cross-You have redeemed the world.

Pr.: Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus, and wrapping it in a clean linen cloth he laid it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out of rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and departed. (Mt. 27, 59 to 60)

All: I will praise you, O Lord, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. / O Lord, my God, I cried out to you and you healed me. / O Lord, you brought me up from the lower world; / you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. / Sing praise to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. / For his anger lasts but a moment; his good will is for a lifetime. / At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with dawn comes rejoicing. (Ps. 29, 2 to 6)

Pr.: Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, on the edge of sadness when all seemed lost, You restored to us the Saviour we thought defeated and conquered. Help us, we beg You, so to empty ourselves of self-concern that we might see your hand in every failure and your victory in every defeat. These things we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.