Second Station

The Second Station — Jesus Takes Up His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you — because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” —Matt 16:24

Reflection: After beating Jesus, and pressing the crown of thorns further into his head, the soldiers placed a heavy wooden beam on Jesus’ shoulder. In freely accepting his Cross, Jesus teaches us that the cross is a sign of love without limits.

Sometimes the weight of our struggles paralyze us and keep us from moving forward. Sometimes the crippling pain and fear of the unknown beg us to drop our crosses and run away. But the longer we allow ourselves to sit under its weight or the farther we run from our cross, the heavier it becomes.

Jesus, help us to see that we do not bear our crosses alone. Open our hearts to see your presence alive in our lives. For the times we have failed to trust in you, forgive us.