Station II

Station II:  Jesus takes up His cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading:

Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:
For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Reflection: The hands, heart, and mind of Jesus

It can be tempting to step aside from the Way of the Cross and envision only divine Jesus, so much more capable than we ever would be in our humanness. But these hands that pick up the cross are also human hands: the hands of Jesus who is fully human, fully divine. Jesus, whose heart is breaking for those he loves, and for the followers who have denied him. Jesus who is certain to die a painful human death, and yet moves forward step by step. Jesus takes up his cross in this station. Jesus carries his cross, becomes his cross, and ultimately, transcends his cross.

And in all of this, is love.

What does Jesus carry in his hands, heart and mind along with the cross? What was Jesus’ inner dialogue? For whom and to whom and with whom does Jesus think about as he moves with intention each step of the journey?

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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