Carrying our crosses

We've hardly begun Lent, and already in Thursday’s gospel, Jesus lays it out plainly for His followers: that He must suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day.


After that stark and startling announcement, Jesus "cuts to the chase" of what this means for His followers. That's us, folks. Listen up. Each one "must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."

What is your cross? Do you take it up daily? It may be an alcoholic spouse, a lean financial time, a colicky baby, or a serious illness. It could be something as fleeting as an important exam at school or as heart-rending as a relationship gone sour. Or your cross may be listening patiently to the same old story told for the umpteenth time by a loved one. Perhaps it's biting your tongue rather than making an unkind remark about someone. Whatever your cross may be, you have a choice - to reject it and run, or shoulder it and start walking.

When you decide to carry it, you're not alone. Remember, you follow the Master, who had a much larger cross. As our role model, Jesus shows us how to persevere, and gives us the strength and grace to carry our cross, following in His footsteps, one step at a time, one day at a time.

And on your difficult journey, He may even give you a "Simon" to help you along.
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Station 2

Jesus Carries His Cross

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


Jesus, as you accepted your cross, you knew you would carry it to your death on Calvary. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you accepted it and carried it just the same.

As a child, sometimes I don't like the problems that come my way. Sometimes I try to get others to take care of them or solve them for me. Sometimes I become upset and crabby when I'm asked to do even the smallest thing to help others.

As an adult I sometimes feel like I'm not appreciated. Sometimes I feel as if I accept more responsibility that I need to. I can feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. In my self-pity, I don't reach out to help.

My Jesus, Who by Thine own will didst take on Thee the most heavy cross I made for Thee by my sins, oh, make me feel their heavy weight, and weep for them ever while I live.

Our Father....

Hail Mary....

Glory Be to the Father....

Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.