Mary's Way Of The Cross - Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

This fall of Jesus was agony to me. Not only had he fallen on the rocky ground again, but now he was almost at the top of the hill of crucifixion. The soldiers screamed at him and abused him, almost dragging him the last few steps. My heart pounded as I imagined what they would do to him next. But, I knew this had to be, so I climbed the hill silently behind him.

Prayer:

My loving Jesus, I know that many times I have offered my hand to help people but when it became inconvenient or painful to me I left them, making excuses for myself. Help me, Lord, to be like your mother, Mary, and never take my supporting hand away from those who need it.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw him stop. Some women were there crying for him and pitying him. He told them not to shed tears for him. They had the opportunity to accept him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and his walk to death. I did, and as he walked on, I followed silently.

Prayer:

My savior, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults in others and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked your pardon. Lord, you have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...