V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (You may bow your head or genuflect)
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Read and Listen: (Lk 23: 27-31)

A great crowd of people followed Jesus, including women who beat their breasts and lamented over him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. The days are coming when they will say, "Happy are the sterile, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed." Then they will begin saying to the mountains, "Fall on us," and to the hills, "Cover us." If they do these things in the green wood, what will happen in the dry?"

Reflect

In times of sickness, sufferings or pains, we prefer that others have their attention on us, perhaps to feel loved. But it is very sickening too when we focus too much attention on ourselves. Instead, why not look beyond the aches and pains we experience and see how relieving this exercise is for you? Try this, when you are sick, by praying for others. When you are down, after entrusting yourself to the Lord, attend to others who are more needy than yourself. A simple greeting or thought in prayer will do wonders. As we look at the sufferings of the world, especially of the young and the innocent, we regret that this happens. We cannot just lament, lest we get desperate. Jesus took all these pains and injustices on himself such that their sting has been overcome. Walking with Jesus gives us confidence and direction in life. Uniting ourselves with God in prayer encourages us to live life meaningfully. We share our faith with others and live out its meaning in daily life.

Pray

Dear Jesus, help me to imitate you in being thoughtful of others, even though you were painfully carrying the burdens of the world. As you console me through your word and grace, help me to reach out to others and bring your comfort to them. To the sick peoples around me, may I patiently assist them. To those who need guidance and direction, may I be available in joy. To the physically hungry, thirsty or naked, may I provide the needed support. To those I cannot reach easily with my hands and feet, let my prayers for them to you console them. I believe that I can do this when I unite myself to you always. This I ask in you. Amen. (You may say the Our Father before you go to the next station.)