We adore You, O Christ, and bless You… 
because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world. 

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”

Luke 23: 27-31

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It seems like there have been greener days. Over the course of the past several months there have been many events to mourn. Whether it be the loss of loved ones, jobs, businesses or even simply the loss of routine. While pondering about this station, I was reading with my son who picked a book that I liked to lift my spirits, and we came across this poem “God Make my Life a Little Light” by M. Bentham Edwards that:

God make my life a little light, 
Within the world to glow; 
A tiny flame that burneth bright 
wherever I may go. 

God make my life a little flower, 
That giveth joy to all, 
Content to bloom in native bower, 
Although its place is small. 

God make my life a little staff, 
Whereon the weak may rest, 
That so what health and strength I have 
May serve my neighbors best. 

With distance between loved ones, feelings of helplessness can be overwhelming. Prayer and faith provide strength and comfort to get through the challenges of each day. May our small interactions with others bring light, joy, and strength to those we encounter each day regardless of our own sorrows. As Jesus, in his darkest moments, was compassionate and prayed for others; may we have the strength, generosity and faith to do the same.

Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites heaven and earth, and reconciles all people to you.  May we who have faithfully reflected on the mysteries of Your passion follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.  Amen.  

Lord Jesus Christ... crucified... have mercy on us.  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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By Regina Johnson