Way of the Cross

9 Second Station Jesus carries his cross  We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. (Genuflect)  Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) (Pause for silent prayer) C hrist welcomes the cross. He embraces it, he takes it into his arms, as a man takes that which he loves into his arms. He lays his beautiful hands on it tenderly, those strong hands of a carpenter that are so familiar with the touch of wood. It is a tremendous gesture showing all peoples his love for them openly, because this cross which he is receiving is their cross, not his; he is making it his own for love of them, taking their crosses and lifting the dead weight of them from the backs of humankind. That is why Christ receives the cross with joy and lays it to his heart. “Bear one another’s burdens,” he told us. Now he takes the burden of the whole world upon himself. — C aryll H ouselander  Merciful Father, we give praise that your Son took our cross on his shoulders in his love for you and for us. Pour out your Spirit on us that we may always know that Jesus carries our burdens. Amen.