The Second Station

Jesus Is Made To Carry His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world

When Jesus saw the Cross — the wood beams upon which he would suffer and then die — He did not hesitate. He took it upon his shoulders and began to walk, willingly embracing these excruciating hardships out of love for you and me. Out of love for God and for each other, we too have the opportunity to sacrifice and to give of ourselves. Christ’s words to his disciples are just as true for us as they were for them: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Lord, give me the grace and the strength to love you more than any earthly thing or person.