A simple way of the cross for Good Friday.
Dear Sisters, Brothers and friends in Christ. Over the years I have found that this way of the cross has been a very useful way for me to enter fully into the passion of Jesus, particularly on good Friday. May this shortened version of the way of the cross allow you to add any personal reflections and music that will assist you in this powerful time of reflection.
Pax et Bonum,
Br. Benedict, osfm
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
First Station
Jesus Condemned to Death.
O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.
Second Station
Jesus Carries His Cross
My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee.
Third Station
Our Lord Falls the First Time
O Jesus! by this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.
Fourth Station
Jesus Meets His Mother
O Jesus!
May no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.
Fifth Station
Simon the Cyrenean Helps Jesus Carry His Cross.
Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee.
Sixth Station
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus.
O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon Veronica’s veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart.
Seventh Station
The Second Fall of Jesus.
By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.
Eighth Station
Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem.
My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: “Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much.”
Ninth Station
Third Fall of Jesus.
O Jesus! when weary upon life’s long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.
Tenth Station
Jesus Stripped of His Garments.
My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition.
Eleventh Station
Jesus Nailed to the Cross.
Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them.
Twelfth Station
Jesus Dies on the Cross.
Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.
Thirteenth Station
Jesus Taken Down from the Cross.
Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins.
Fourteenth Station
Jesus Laid in the Sepulchre.
When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end.
Amen.