Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, and tells them not to wept
for him.
Our
Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
I
was walking a few steps behind Jesus when he stopped in the road.
Some women were crying for him and pitying him. He told them not
to shed tears for him. Like many others, they did not understand
who he was or what was actually happening in this spectacle, but
at least they could weep for him, as for any tortured man. He
told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring
their conversion.
Learn from these women to be always aware of the suffering of your fellow travelers
in this world. Be prepared to pour out your soul on those who are hungry. You
are their nourishment, for they do not want food and drink; they want compassion
and understanding. Do not, I beg you, fail my Son who awaits these souls and
who desires to love them through you. You must not waste time, for your task
is immense. Forget yourself during this time, and look at others.
Prayer: O Christ, you came into this world to visit
all those who await salvation. Grant that our generation will recognize
the time of its visitation and share in the fruits of your redemption.
Do not permit that we should weep for not having known the time of
our visitation. To you, O Jesus, born of the Virgin Daughter of Zion,
be honour and praise for ever and ever.
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