THE ROAD TO CALVARY

1. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
Pilot took water and washed his hands before the crowd saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your concern."
Pause
Yes Lord it is my concern. It is my concern that those with whom I live and work get fair play. When I have decisions to make which affect people's lives, help me to make them with care and understanding.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

2. JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
The cross was heavy. The journey, a struggle through narrow and uneven streets with a hostile crowd looking on.
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Jesus, I cannot understand these crosses that come to me.
It's so unfair... but I accept them... Or do I?
Give me some of your courage to carry my cross.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

3. JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME
It was no wonder that he fell. Jesus had endured so much suffering already.
Pause
Lord, I get down sometimes and I take it out on others. I'm sorry.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

4. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
It was now three years since Jesus had left home. Mary had brought him into the world, and cared for him. Now she is with him in his time of need.
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Sometimes to watch the pain of those we love is harder to bear than our own. Mary, help me to see your son in the face of those who suffer.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

5. SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY HIS CROSS
Simon found himself forced to help Jesus carry his cross.
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Lord, Simon met with you in a way he had never expected. We too can be suddenly faced with someone who needs our help. May we never turn away. Bless all those who have been 'Simons' in my life.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

6. VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
Veronica was not like Simon, no one asked her to help Jesus. She pushed her way through the crowd and wiped his face with a towel.
Pause
Veronica saw your face Lord, and your face left an impression. What kind of image do I leave with people? Lord, may those I live with and work with see you through me.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

7. JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME
Jesus was being hurried along by the soldiers, and the road was up hill. His strength was failing with every step of the way. He fell.
Pause
Lord, you are always ready to lift us when we fall. May your example teach us to be understanding towards others, to help rather than to judge, to support rather than to condemn.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

8. JESUS COMFORTS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
These women were moved to sympathy for Jesus. He knew there was nothing they could do for him now. He asked them to look to themselves and their children.
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Lord, you do not wish us to go on weeping about what has happened in the past. We cannot change the past but we can do a great deal about the future.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

9. JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME
Completely drained of strength Jesus collapsed upon the cobblestones. He rises and goes on.
Pause
Lord, we know you walk with us each day, as we face the cares and challenges of life. Help us to keep going, not to be discouraged and to begin again.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS CLOTHES
Now everything was taken from him, even his clothes. Although he was God he emptied himself, to become as we are.
Pause
Sometimes I'm stripped by someone's harsh word, when already I'm so wounded. It's so easy to hit back bitterly, yet you stood quietly. Help me to become more like you.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
We reflect on the suffering Jesus must have endured by this brutal act.
Pause
It is sad that people today are treated in a cruel manner also. Forgive us, Lord, for the violence in our lives and in our society.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
Jesus said: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Into your hands I commend my spirit."
Pause
Lord, soften our hearts towards those who make us suffer. Save us from self-pity and despair. Be with all those who, at this moment, are in their last agony.
Our Father... Hail Mary...  Glory be to the Father...

13. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
Mary stood at the foot of the cross. Now the crowd had left. A few friends remained. They placed the body of Jesus in the arms of his mother.
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Lord, your mother felt the sadness that we all feel when we lose our loved ones in death. Help us to bear our bereavements with dignity and courage and hope.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

14. JESUS IS BURIED
The disciples of Jesus prepared his body for burial and laid it to rest in the tomb. They closed up the tomb and went away.
Pause
Sometimes my life seems to have no light. Darkness and no way out. But you are here in the dark, quietly waiting. Teach me to be gentle with myself, and to wait with you.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...