Via Crucis Station 08

The Via Crucis Station 08 depicts Jesus stopping to console the women of Jerusalem to not weep for Him, but for themselves. What does this lesson mean to us?

Jesus is bearing the weight of the world's sins and how we should take this lesson seriously because of the resulting judgment that will be fall us.

By telling the women to weep for themselves, He is highlighting the broader implications of sin and the need for repentance and conversion. It’s a call for us to look deeper inside ourselves and be aware of the spiritual consequences of turning away from God.

The "Daughters of Jerusalem" their presence and their weeping reflect a deep compassion and sorrow for the suffering of Christ.

V. We adore you, O Christ,
and we bless you.

R. Because by your holy Cross,
you have redeemed the world.

Even in His darkest hour, He is thinking about the well-being of others. This teaches us about the selfless nature of true compassion and the importance of looking beyond our own pain to address the suffering around us.

My Jesus, I weep for the sins I have committed against Thee, because of the pains they have deserved, but more because of the displeasure they have caused Thee, who hast loved me so much. The Way of the Cross of Saint Alphonsus Liquori

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

v. Have Mercy upon us O Lord.
r. Have Mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Do you understand that this is not a one-time bearing of weight of sins that he is carrying on this cross, it is yours and my lifetime continually. Every time we do something TODAY that hurts Him, we continually add to that cross He carries. Is what He did then worth it to you today? How many things do we dismiss that we feel or think that no one is noticing whether good or bad?

On a good note, God is so merciful we will be forgiven. But that doesn't mean we continue to do what we want. 
This spiritual experience requires us to open our hearts and minds to the reality of suffering in the world and to respond with genuine compassion and support.

The women of Jerusalem are significant figures in this station because they embody the universal human response to suffering. The women represent the injustice and pain of humanity. All who are oppressed or marginalized need the support of those who can stand together without indifferences. The Passion narrative reminds us that compassion and empathy are essential components of our faith journey.

When we stand together in solidarity with those who suffer lightens the load. Just offering our thoughts and prayers, can comfort another. Sometimes offering tangible support and action can help. 

We have to be willing to move out of our comfort zones and enter into the reality of another's suffering. Your support and understanding can go a long way. And I believe it is beneficial not only for the other person receiving our help and support but also for our spiritual understanding and growth.

Jesus’ words serve as an invitation for the women, and for all believers, to reflect on their own lives and the state of their hearts. How ready am I to acknowledge the reality of suffering and the need for spiritual readiness. These days it seems time is running out will my practice of prayer and meditation be enough. Even when I have experienced a death, I always questioned my tears. Are they for me or was it for the dead? By Jesus turning the view back on the women to weep for themselves, is He showing us we need to be mindful of our spiritual health and the need for continual conversion.

By this point of Via Crucis Station 08 of the cross are you experiencing a personal transformation? The challenges we have learned so far from the beginning up until now are profound. 

We are growing in compassion, empathy, humility and selflessness. My heart is full the crowds have silenced because my heart is aligning with His suffering, the suffering of others that I know personally. Is this what it means to become more Christlike in our actions and attitudes?

Personal transformation doesn't happen all at once, I imagine I would die if it did. But it does happen in small twitches. I always try to pray to God for another small measure of His mercy to help deepen my lifelong journey of my faith and commitment to Christ.

All Stations of the Cross
Pray the Rosary