Continued:
The Second Station: Jesus receives the Cross. “We adore thee O Christ and we praise thee, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the World”. The agony of Jesus in the garden is a very important focus for our attention. Christ’s agony, the Stations of the Cross and the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary provide a constant opportunity for us to contemplate Christ’s presence in the world, and above all the salvation He brings.
Last week in ‘Deacon John Writes’ he had a very important, clear message. In it he said “Lent began last Wednesday, and we were reminded that there is no better time than the present to turn to God for forgiveness and to forgive others”. My moments in the garden are frequently focused upon my awareness that I should do better. It becomes a constant refrain in my mind “you should do better”. Then because Satan the devil is the accused of the brethren, and as St Peter highlighted, he sits on our shoulder and accosts us night and day. In fact, never lets up. Jesus has put a stop to this by becoming the instrument of God’s forgiveness. This is the mission of His life – and for this He lays down His life.
One our Father, one Hail Mary, one Glory be to the Father.
The Third Station: Jesus falls the first time. “We adore thee O Christ and we praise thee, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the World”.
He became like us in all things but sin. He knows our weaknesses. The implication of His forgiveness is that it is final, complete. It is His gift that He will never take back. As he completely forgives He has forgiven me, it is essential that I too forgive myself. Through God’s grace, if only I can take hold of this, it becomes a real gift. If we take hold of this, the peace, then the strength and hope that it will bring to our life begins to bear fruit – fruit that will last. The implication for the good of our world is that, as He forgives me, so I forgive others.
One our Father, one Hail Mary, one Glory be to the Father.
The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His mother. “We adore thee O Christ and we praise thee, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the World”.
The family home is so important in the journey of life, and yet more and more it is becoming absent to our world. This is why in our Catholic church the role of Mary has such an important place. As we realise this, then we become aware of the life of orphans who for no fault of their own have this great affliction to contend with. And so the promise “I will not leave you orphans as so many now are”. This should become a major part of our prayers and Lenten preparation for the most important week – The one we call Holy Week, so that the life of Christ may truly find a home in us.
One our Father, one Hail Mary, one Glory be to the Father.