Stations of the Cross for Teachers - The Second Station

Jesus is made to carry the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

John 19:16-17: The soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

Reflection: Scholars generally agree that Jesus carried the horizontal beam of the cross, which weighed about 125 pounds. We can only imagine the pain he endured as he walked, the beam chafing his flesh-torn back. Steadfast acceptance of God's will allowed him to put on foot in front of the other.

Prayer: Jesus, we avoid carrying even small burdens in our lives. But you chose to take on the greatest burden of all with steadfast acceptance. Teach us, we pray, to carry our burdens with the same grace, remembering that you will never leave or forsake us.