O Suffering Servant, you showed us that the path to your Resurrection must, of necessity, include the way of the cross, and that crown is not possible without cross. Strengthen us today O God, that we will choose life over death, love over hatred and forgiveness over revenge. Increase our faith as we enter into this Lenten period, that we will indeed tear our hearts open to receive your mercy and compassion. Humble us that we will accept each other as fellow pilgrims on this journey of faith, frail and fragile, and yet filled with the hope that all will indeed be well.