We adore you O Christ and we bless you
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world
Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me but weep for your selves and for your children. Because days are coming when they will say “Happy are those who are barren, and whose wombs never bore a child………Then they will say to the mountains “Fall upon us” and to the hills “cover us “ For if they do these things when the sap is in the wood, what will they do when the wood is dry ?” Luke 23:28-31
“Daughters of Jerusalem” – what courtesy from a man in extreme pain, walking or more likely stumbling to the place of execution. Still Jesus could address them with respect-and with compassion as he spelt out that grim and dark prophecy. Jesus goes to the cross as the victim of Pilate’s fear of losing power and the Jewish authorities’ fear that they would lose their small area of independence. His ministry and his way of life had been a powerful proclamation of the Kingdom of God, an example of another way to live, in peace, in mutual caring and with love not violence. The authorities would not or could not hear.
Jesus, give me your gift of compassion, and enable me to show in my life the real power of your gospel of peace, and of the Kingdom of God. Amen.
Sister Jean Mary, of the Community of the Holy Name.
And now move on to the ninth station.
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