Second and Third Word of Jesus on the Cross.



A little hail had fallen at about ten o'clock,--when Pilate was passing
sentence,--and after that the weather cleared up, until towards twelve,
when the thick red-looking fog began to obscure the sun. Towards the
sixth hour, according to the manner of counting of the Jews, the sun
was suddenly darkened. I was shown the exact cause of this wonderful
phenomenon; but I have unfortunately partly forgotten it, and what I
have not forgotten I cannot find words to express; but I was lifted up
from the earth, and beheld the stars and the planets moving about out
of their proper spheres. I saw the moon like an immense ball of fire
rolling along as if flying from the earth. I was then suddenly taken
back to Jerusalem, and I beheld the moon reappear behind the Mountain
of Olives, looking pale and full, and advancing rapidly towards the
sun, which was dim and over-shrouded by a fog. I saw to the east of the
sun a large dark body which had the appearance of a mountain, and which
soon entirely hid the sun. The centre of this body was dark yellow, and
a red circle like a ring of fire was round it. The sky grew darker and
the stars appeared to cast a red and lurid light. Both men and beasts
were struck with terror; the enemies of Jesus ceased reviling him,
while the Pharisees endeavoured to give philosophical reasons for what
was taking place, but they failed in their attempt, and were reduced to
silence. Many were seized with remorse, struck their breasts, and cried
out, 'May his blood fall upon his murderers!' Numbers of others, whether
near the Cross or at a distance, fell on their knees and entreated
forgiveness of Jesus, who turned his eyes compassionately upon them in
the midst of his sufferings. However, the darkness continued to
increase, and everyone excepting Mary and the most faithful among the