(Adapted from Church of Sts. Peter and Paul's Way of the Cross booklet.)First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death
Christ: Though Pilate acted unjustly, it was more from fear than from malice. If Jesus loved Judas who betrayed him, he must have loved Pilate as well even though he condemned him. Jesus also submitted himself to Pilate’s rule because this was his Father’s will.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes it is difficult to love our superiors. We may not like them; or they may give us commands we do not like; or they may be unjust or partial. Yet Lord, if you could love Pilate and Herod, surely you could help us to love those whom you appoint to guide and lead us. Jesus, my Lord, help me to see that it is you whom I obey in all who govern me.
Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
Christ: The God who made the universe and holds it in existence is too weak as man to bear a piece of timber’s weight. This is the human reality which I experience.
Prayer: Lord, I willingly accept my weaknesses, my irritations and my moods, my headaches and fatigue, all my defects of body, mind and soul. Because they are your will for me, these handicaps of my humanity I gladly accept them. Make me content with all my discontents, but give me strength to struggle after you.
Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus Christ: Can you be brave enough, my other self, to wipe my blood-stained face? Wherever sufferings exist- my face is there. And there I look for you, to wipe away my blood and tears.
Prayer: Lord, what you ask is hard. It calls for courage and self-sacrifice and I am weak. Please give me strength. Don’t let me run away because of fear. Lord, live in me, act in me, and love in me. And not in me alone – in all men – so that we may reveal your glorious face on earth.
Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time Christ: This seventh step, my other self, is one that tests your will. From this fall, learn to persevere in doing good. The time will come when all your efforts seem to fail and you will think: “I can’t go on.” Then, turn to me, my heavy-laden one and I will give you rest. Trust me and carry on.
Prayer: Give me your courage, Lord, when failure presses heavily on me and I am desolate. Stretch out your hand to lift me up. I know I must not cease to persevere in doing good, but Lord, alone, I can do nothing. With you, I can do anything you ask. I will.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Christ: Before my creatures, I stand stripped. The Cross – my death bed – even this is not my own. Yet who has ever been so rich? Possessing nothing, I own all- my Father’s love.
Prayer: My Lord, I offer you all- whatever I possess- and more, my very self. Detach me from my cravings. Release me from the vice of pride, my longing to exalt myself, and lead me to the lowest place. May I be poor in spirit, Lord, so that I may be rich in you.
