We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Meditation: Consider that those women wept with compassion at seeing Jesus in so pitiable a state, streaming with blood, as He walked along. But Jesus said to them, “Weep not for Me, but for your children.”
Prayer: My Jesus, laden with sorrows, I weep for the offences that I have committed against Thee, because of the pains which they have deserved, and still more because of the displeasure they have caused Thee, Who hast loved me so much. It is Thy love, more than the fear of Hell, that causes me to weep for my sins. My Jesus, I love Thee more than myself; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt.
Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!
The women, “Wept with compassion…” The last time I was moved to tears by seeing someone in so much pain was a pretty intense experience. It took a lot to move me there. These women were so affected by the sight of Jesus that they wept. Maybe they knew of Him, maybe they didn’t. Maybe they were even opposed to Him. They still wept. “Weep not for Me, but for your children.” We know, at least in part, the passion of Our Lord… We know that he experienced excruciating pain and agony, but here he tells these women not to cry for Him, but to cry for us… their descendants. We do need tears, and we need so much mercy, for we have fallen far. Knowing the warning from Jesus, we know to watch ourselves more closely.
For the sins of His own nation Saw Him hang in desolation Till His spirit forth He sent.