sword of grief had pierced the hearts of those who loved him. This
moment was the moment of grace for Abenadar: his horse trembled under
him; his heart was touched; it was rent like the hard rock; he threw
his lance to a distance, struck his breast, and cried out: 'Blessed be
the Most High God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; indeed
this Man was the Son of God!' His words convinced many among the
soldiers, who followed his example, and were likewise converted.

Abenadar became from this moment a new man; he adored the true God,
and would no longer serve his enemies. He gave both his horse and his
lance to a subaltern of the name of Longinus, who, having addressed a
few words to the soldiers, mounted his horse, and took the command upon
himself. Abenadar then left Calvary, and went through the Valley of
Gihon to the caves in the Valley of Hinnom, where the disciples were
hidden, announced the death of our Lord to them, and then went to the
town, in order to see Pilate. No sooner had Abenadar rendered public
testimony of his belief in the divinity of Jesus, than a large number
of soldiers followed his example, as did also some of the bystanders,
and even a few Pharisees. Many struck their breasts, wept, and returned
home, while others rent their garments, and cast dust on their heads,
and all were filled with horror and fear. John arose; and some of the
holy women who were at a short distance came up to the Blessed Virgin,
and led her away from the foot of the Cross.

When Jesus, the Lord of life and death, gave up his soul into the
hands of his Father, and allowed death to take possession of his body,
this sacred body trembled and turned lividly white; the countless
wounds which were covered with congealed blood appeared like dark
marks; his cheeks became more sunken, his nose more pointed, and his
eyes, which were obscured with blood, remained but half open. He raised