Tenth Station

The Tenth Station — Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes

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

Reading: “I can count all my bones. They stare at me and gloat; they divide my garments among them; for my clothing they cast lots.” —Psalm 22: 18-19

Reflection: In the world’s eyes, Jesus has nothing left. He was beaten beyond comprehension. His clothes were ripped off his body. To many, Jesus appears poor and lowly. But he endures this suffering because he never loses his dignity as God’s Son. That is a primary relationship that no one can take away, and it is also ours, by virtue of our baptism. We are also God’s sons and daughters.

This dignity is under attack today through sexual exploitation and unjust treatment of immigrants, through the disregard we show the unborn and the elderly who need our care. Sometimes we take for granted the gift of creation and strip the earth of its resources. In all circumstances, we are called to protect and defend the weak.

Jesus, help us to recognize the dignity of all human life and to defend and serve it, especially where it is threatened most. For the times we have placed possessions and our own needs before those of others, forgive us.