Second Station: Jesus takes His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds
to the entrance of the square.
A door flew open and my Son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind Him.
Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on His shoulders.
Then they shoved Him down the road.
My pain for Him was unbearable.
I wanted to take the Cross from Him and carry it myself.
But I knew this had to be so I walked on silently.


Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me for the many times I have added more weight to your cross,
by closing my eyes to the pain and loneliness of my neighbour. Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me.
Help me to be like Mary, always seeking to lighten the crosses of others.
Forgive me, Jesus. 

Through Her heart His sorrow sharing, all His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed. 

Illustration by Jan Hearn ©
Posted by Fr Tomas