The Way of the Cross
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence — St Paul of the Cross
The way of the Cross is the road which leads to Paradise; it is the sure way to holiness.
The Passion of Christ is the greatest and most stupendous work of Divine Love.
Station Three – Jesus falls the first time
Matthew 16:24-26 ESV
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Reflections:
Jesus had willingly embraced the cross, but His physical body was weak from lack of sleep, from the pressures of arrest and trial, and from torture and beating.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus said, Yes, but His body hesitated and He fell to His knees, determining to rise again even in His weakness.
Approaching Easter: The Way of the Cross
Come and see our Savior enduring so much suffering, so many insults, and oppressed with the heavy burden of the cross, for love of us. Contemplate the Son of God, Redeemer of the world, and how much He is suffering. O Jesus in Your sufferings I see the gravity of my sins. Lord have mercy!
Prayer
Lord, You were scourged and shouldered Your cross, but Your body was weak. Your Body is still weak: Your people shrink from the weight of suffering. In our weakness, Lord – Your will be done.
Jesus, You were first a carpenter, build us into what You desire, and secure every joint tightly, that we may hold together. Plane the rough surfaces of our relationships. We are Your workmanship – Your will be done.
Jesus, You said “YES” to the Father’s will; and only Your body hesitated. May we, Your Body, no longer hesitate, but follow You in obedience, saying – Your will be done.
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Grant we beseech You, O Almighty God, that we who fail in so many adversities through our own weakness may take heart again through the pleading of the Passion of Your only-begotten Son Who lives and reigns with You forever and ever, Amen..
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.
Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.
On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.
Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.
The Peanut Gallery 