Station Eight: Jesus Speaks to the Women
> Sit and listen as you imagine Christ speaking these words to you.
The crowds continue to follow. The women continue to weep with compassion seeing me so distressed and dripping with blood as I walk along. Please tell me that your tears stem not from guilt. Guilt is neither a virtue nor a gift of the Spirit of God. Rather, assure me that they are tears of compassion, sorrow, and repentance. Weep, too, for your children tugging at your skirts and struggling in your arms. They are shaken and confused by my pain. Tell them as they grow what my suffering means. Tell them that they were there when I was crucified. Assure them, though, that when their time comes for tears, I will be there with them. As they continue to weep, I say to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not so much for me, but rather for your children.” Now, however, I must move on.
> Kneel or sit and respond to Christ with this prayer.
I adore You, Lord, and I praise You, because, by Your sacrifice on the cross, You have redeemed the world.
How kind of You, Lord Jesus, to pause to talk to us. How often we say to one another, “I don’t have the time!” I say to my children when they ask, to the needy when they beg, to neighbors when they seek my help, “I don’t have time.” Yet, time is really all I have. I cannot make it or demand it. Time is your gift, Lord, but I can waste it. When it is past, I cannot replace it. So, before I move on, Christ Jesus, help me embrace time and share it with others in Your love.
My Jesus, I love You more than myself. When I love others, I demonstrate my love for You in selfless worship. I am sorry that I have offended You. Never allow me to offend You again. Grant that I may love You always, and that I strive to do Your will for my life everyday.