But our response does not end there.  For when we look on the Crucified we see not only his personal love for us, but also its incredible depths – a love that was proved for ever on that first Good Friday, and which no sins or coldness of ours can ever weaken.  Once that fact comes home to us, can we hold back our love from him any longer?

As St John says, “We love him because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), or as Our Blessed Lord himself declared, “…I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (NRSV, John 12:32).

And what a powerful attraction, indeed, does the Crucified have for those who are willing to be drawn, his arms stretched out in silent yet compelling invitation to give ourselves to him to be his for ever.

Reference

1. Heermann, J. (1585-1647) (trans. Bridges, R. (1844-1930) Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended.  Available from: http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/a/a084.html (Accessed 17 March 2011) (Internet).