Jesus, you are taking the heavy cross On your already wounded shoulder
The big heavy cross appears as if it needs to be balanced on Jesus’ shoulders. People who are following Him, are Still holding the cross, but are prepared to let this sad procession begin. There are some who are hurrying them on with curses and threats. Some are bowing before Him, mocking and trying to provoke Him. But He is gentle and keeps silent, leaning on the wood of the cross with the crown of thorns on His head. He is ready to take His first step to Calvary As in the previous station, Mary is there In the lower right corner of the scene.
Reflections and Prayer
From the Bible: Jesus was led away, and carrying the cross by himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha).
(Jn 19:17)
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Jesus, it is truly sad that you had to experience so much suffering from us. You are in pain. Your strength is diminishing, and on your back is a heavy wooden cross. While the cross was being put on your shoulders, you experienced curses, blasphemy, mockery and heavy blows. And you, like the sacrificial Lamb, did not resist.
O my Jesus, I desire to offer to you a comforting word.
Your Mother has not deserted you. She cares and is following you on the way. Although she cannot take the cross on her shoulders, she accepted it and took it into her heart and shared your burden. Therefore, in full confidence I can say that you, Mary, took the cross on your motherly shoulders and into your motherly heart.
In front of this scene, with my eyes full of tears, O Jesus, the sufferer, and the Mother, the sufferer, I am heartily sorry for my behavior towards you. I am heartily sorry that, because of my behavior, I have placed crosses on my shoulders and on the shoulders of people around me.
Jesus, I promise to change my life and my behavior. From this moment on I would prefer that others lay crosses on my shoulders than I ever lay my cross on theirs.
Reflections and Prayer
Message: Dear Children! During these days while you are joyfully celebrating the cross, I desire that your cross also would be joy for you. Especially, dear children, pay that you are able to accept illness and suffering with love, the way Jesus accepted them. Only in that way, will I be able to give you the graces and healing which Jesus allows me. Thank you for having responded to my call!
(11September1986)
We thank you, O Mary, and we bless you.
Because by your sufferings you helped to redeem the world.
Mary. I seriously want to remain with you. I want to leam from you how to suffer with others even when I cannot help them. And to you, Mother, from the depths of my heart, I thank you for the painful walk, alone with your Son. Amen!
Have mercy on us, O Lord! Have mercy on us!
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Intercede for us.
Oh, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed of the sole begotten One!
Holy Mother, pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew, of my Saviour crucified.
I promise to intercede for those who carry crosses and will try my very best to prevent these scenes of the Crucifixion from ever happening again. Forgive me, Jesus, for not preventing evil in situations where I was able to. From now on, I will be near those who suffer. I accept my limitations to help, but will not distance myself. I am ready to suffer silently like your Mother did.