The 2nd Station: Jesus carries the Cross

Presider: We adore You O Christ, and we praise You. (genuflect)
All: Because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION:

Jesus, it’s hard to believe that you, the perfect son of God, had to carry the cross of a criminal. I cannot imagine the agony you must have been in and how exhausted you felt on that ugly day. After being falsely tried all night, betrayed by one of your disciples, denied by another, scourged, mocked and spat upon, you now had to carry your own cross. When I have a tough day or struggle with an obstacle in my life, I must take a step back and remember the cross you carried for me.

MEDITATION:

What is the cross you are carrying in your life? Is it a physical cross? Maybe it’s an emotional cross that no one sees. Do you have a friendship that is broken, or do you have a besetting sin that you can’t overcome? Is your cross heavy, seems unfair, makes you resentful, unhappy, sorrowful? Give it to Jesus. There is no cross we bear that Christ can’t handle. His words in the gospel of Matthew say, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” God wants you to have the peace, joy and rest of Christ even in the midst of the crosses we bear. 

SUGGESTED ACTION STEPS:

Put a crucifix in front of you and take a few minutes to look at Jesus and the cross. Think about how heavy that cross must have been to carry and how much love Jesus has for you. Discuss: What is a current cross in your life – work, school, personal, physical, relational? How can you offer up your cross to Christ and find joy and peace? How can you help a family member, or a friend lighten their load with a cross they bear?

PRAYER:

Jesus, we thank you for carrying the cross on the road to Calvary for us. Even in your pain, we know your eyes were fixed on the Father’s will to die for us and lead us to everlasting life with you. Help us to give our daily crosses to you so we may be united with you in your suffering and grow closer to you. Amen.

BY: Laura Roche, Women’s Bible Study

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