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THE WAY
OF THE CROSS
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OPENING PRAYER
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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May our contemplation of these
sacred Stations dispose us
to the graces poured forth
on the world from the Cross.
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We cannot rely
on our own strength,
for we do not know
how to pray as we ought.
Therefore, bless us now
that we might be open to receive.
Bless our minds
that we might meditate
on these timeless mysteries.
Bless our ears
that we might hear your voice.
Bless our lips
that we might speak your praise.
Bless our hearts
that we might know your love.
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Give us, O Lord,
an ever-watchful heart
which nothing can ever lure
away from you;
a noble heart,
which no unworthy affection
can draw downwards;
an upright heart,
which no sin can warp;
an unconquerable heart,
which no tribulation can crush;
a free heart,
which no perverted affection
can claim for its own.
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Bestow on us, O Lord,
understanding to know you,
diligence to seek you,
and wisdom to find you,
a life that pleases you,
and a hope that may
embrace you at the last.
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May our contemplation
of these sacred Stations
dispose us to the graces
poured forth on the world
from the Cross.
May we grow to be obedient
without complaint,
without pretense,
joyous without frivolity,
and truthful without disguise.
Be with us, Jesus,
our Lord and God,
for with great humility,
we seek to make pilgrimage
in your footsteps.
Amen.
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THE FIRST STATION
JESUS IS
CONDEMNED TO DEATH
We adore you, O Christ,
and we bless you
Because by your holy cross
you have redeemed the world.
FROM SACRED SCRIPTURE
Gospel of Matthew 27:22-23, 26
Pilate said to them,
“Then what shall I do
with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said,
“Let him be crucified!”
And he said,
“Why, what evil has he done?”
But they shouted all the more,
“Let him be crucified!”
Then, he released Barabbas,
and having scourged Jesus,
delivered him to be crucified.
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Let us contemplate Jesus
standing beside Pilate.
As his eyes behold
the frenetic crowds
that have filled the praetorium,
he can also see the remnants
of palm branches that still
line the streets from his entrance
into Jerusalem a mere five days earlier.
Let us consider Jesus silently
reciting the following words
of Psalm 57 as he stands
atop the steps
of the praetorium
and hears the chants of:
"Crucify him! Crucify him!"
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PSALM
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
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Be merciful to me, O God,
be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings
I will take refuge,
till the storms
of destruction pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills
his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven
and save me,
he will put shame to those
who trample upon me.
God will send forth his mercy
and his faithfulness.
-Psalm 57:7, 1-3
HYMN
Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ's dear Mother to behold?
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