blank'/> SHARING THE REAL TRUTH: July 2015

Friday, July 31, 2015

"LORD, I NEED YOU" --- ... Before you start yelling ... qabel ma tibda' twerzaq u tirrabja ... --- Knowledge is knowing what to say - Wisdom is knowing when to say it



John 8:44b ... the devil was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
 
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L-ibbuljar hu frott ix-Xitan, jgħid il-Papa Franġisku

Bullying is the devil’s work, says Pope Francis



http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/01/09/bullying-is-the-devils-work-says-pope-francis/


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BEFORE YOU START YELLING ANGRILY...

QABEL MA TIBDA' TWERŻAQ, TIRRABJA...





 






























ANGER






- Qabel ma’ tibda’ taħseb li inti l-vittma u li ħaddieħor huwa hu li qed jaqbad miegħek...


- Qabel ma timmemorizza l-lista f’moħħok - ta’ kemm widdbek, kemm ġibidlek l-attenzjoni fuq imġiebtek, kemm dejjqek, kemm għajrek, ukoll kemm weġġgħek fi kliemu – ħalli terfagħhom fil-komma għall-ewwel darba li tiltaqa’ ma’ dan “l-għadu tiegħek”...



- Qabel ma’ tnissel kelma li tweġġa’, li tinfed il-qalb ta’ min int trid tpatti, għax ġejt imċanfar, ikkoreġut, mgħajjar...


 

- Qabel ma’ tikteb u xxandar ma’ l-erbat’ irjieħ kemm ħaddieħor jgħir għalik, jogħbodok, jipprovokak, ...


- Qabel ma’ tagħmel xi vendetta bil-ħsieb, bil-kliem jew bil-għemil...






Kun af li hemm Alla li ħalqek u qed jagħtik kull nifs, qed jipprovdilek is-saħħa. Huwa Alla li jtella’ x-xemx u jniżżel ix-xita għat-tajbin u għall-ħżiena – Huwa Alla li jħobb anke lil-għedewwa tiegħek daqs kemm iħobb lilek, għax jixtieq li kulħadd isalva – Huwa Alla li jippermetti dak biss li ħa joħroġ il-ġid spiritwali – anke bit-twiddib,  bl-umilijazzjoni, kif ukoll fit-tgħajjir, fis-sofferenzi, fil-mard – aħseb u ara fis-saħħa u fil-ġid materjali li qed jipprovdilek. Min jaf għaliex  Alla jippermetti ġlied, gwerer, frugħa, qerq ? Hu żgur li Alla jkun irid jagħti messaġġ; Alla jkun qed jokroblok biex tiġi konxju tal-limiti tiegħek u tersaq lejH – u qed jgħidlek:


- Mingħajri ma tasalx biex tagħmel it-tajjeb.


- Mingħajri titlef is-sens tad-dnub;  xejn ma' jkun dnub għalik

- Mingħajri ma tasalx biex taħfer, la lil oħrajn u lanqas lilek innifsek.

- Mingħajri ma tesperjenzax li tħossok maħbub mill-qalb.

- Mingħajri tgħix ħajja vojta, tkun imdejjaq, anzjuż, tispiċċa titħassar lilek innifsek jew saħansitra tkun mimli b’rabja, suppervja, kburija, mibgħeda, vendetta ... minkejja s-suċċessi, l-flus, il-poter,  l-popolarità, is-saħħa ...
 
 
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ĠESÙ, WIĊĊ IL-ĦNIENA TA’ ALLA, dejjem qed jistennik titolbu b’umiltà sinċiera, biex jaħsel bid-Demm Qaddis tiegħU, sew lilek ħa tiftaħ qalbek għaliĦ u timtela’ bis-sliem u l-mogħdrija; kif ukoll  lil min qed jikkoreġi l-azzjoni tiegħek jew jgħajjrek, u qed issibu diffiċli f’ħajjtek - kull darba li jgħidlek xi ħaġa fejn int hemm bżonn li tinbidel u trid tinduna bl-iżbal; anke wkoll jekk taqla' xi kelma li tħossha goffa jew tirċievi xi kuntrarju ieħor, xi qlajja...


Alla qiegħed magħna, fil-fallimenti tagħna, fid-diżappunti tagħna, fil-mard tagħna, fl-isolament tagħna, fit-traġedji tagħna u juża persuni u sitwazzjonijiet biex isalvana ħalli nikbru fl-umiltà, bil-kuraġġ, bit-trasformazzjoni u fil-qdusija -  Alla huwa mħabba; jibqa' jħenn għall-bniedem li jkun qed jiġi mqarraq mix-xitan u juża' kull mezz biex jeħilsu mix-xibka tal-ħażen.

 
Poġġi kull sitwazzjoni li tinsab fiha fil-kustat ta’ Ġesù biex dawk l-aħħar qatriet tad-Demm Qaddis tiegħU jaqgħu fuq kull problema li għandek.

 
Emmen u kun żgur li ser tħossok ħafna aħjar u l-problemi ser tibda’ tarahom b'mod differenti.

 
Itlob lil Ġesù jgħinek tagħraf il-Verità; u mal-preżenza u bl-interċessjoni tal-Verġni Mbierka Omm Alla, bis-smiegħ u l-qari tal-Kelma ta’ Alla, bis-sagrament tar-rikonċiljazzjoni (Qrar) u bit-Tqarbin imqaddes waqt il-Quddiesa --- Inti tinħeles  mill-anzjetà, mir-rabja, mis-suppervja, mill-kburija…u tfieq u jitfejjqu dawk ta’ madwarek ukoll !

 
IVA GĦAX IL-QERQ TAL-VERU GĦADU, ix-xitan JINKIXEF – iva xogħol ix-xitan huwa li jifirdek u jkissrek bil-kburija emozjonalment u spiritwalment;  joħonqok bir-rabja, bil-blugħat; jagħmik bi ħsibijiet u għazzjonijiet li inti dejjem għandek ir-raġun, għandek id-dritt, għandek is-saħħa; u jobogħdok tant li jagħmel minn kollox biex itellfek il-paċi f’qalbek, f’familtek, fuq ix-xogħol jew mal-ġirien…saħansitra jirredikolak bir-rabja li jimlik - tgħeżżeż snienek,  tgħajjat u tixher bi kliem żejjed li jġelgħek tgħid…U dan kollu biex iċaħħdek, jifirdek mid-dinjità ta’ bin/bint ALLA - li jaf x’inhi TBATIJA, KEFRIJA, UMILJAZZJONI, ABBANDUN U MEWT UMANA ---  O ĠESÙ, INT  ĦFIRT U RBAĦT FUQ IL-MEWT, INT LI INT IL-PUR, IL-QADDIS, LI TAJTNA L-ĠENNA B’XEJN MINN FUQ IS-SALIB, ALLA LI ĦLAQTNA, BIEX NIĠU NGAWDUK FIL-ĠENNA...













"He who is careful of what he says, relieves his heart from misery" Saint Gorg Preca






Pope Francis --- DO YOU YELL OR SPEAK AT HOME ? - This can be an accurate metre of the love you show in your family and in your every day life...

Pope at closing Mass in Philadelphia: Do not underestimate the power of kindness







Mt 5:38-42 -- Eye for Eye - Il-vendetta


It is said that revenge is a dish best served cold. Actually, revenge is a dish best not served at all because this toxic emotion hurts us as much as those on the receiving end of it. Jesus’ teaching on revenge is deeply radical and revolutionary.
The Old Testament recognized that revenge was very much a fact of life, part and parcel of the human condition. The principle of ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’ was intended to restrict vengeance and restrain resulting violence within certain limits. Jesus not only turned this idea on its head – he threw it out with the bath water. The Sermon on the Mount holds out what seems to be, on superficial reading, a kind of doctrine of passive resistance, but this is to misunderstand the teaching. Jesus isn’t teaching passive resistance but rather active love.
What each of us knows in our hearts is that revenge is exhausting and wearisome. It drains us of all that is good. We plot, we scheme, we resent, we loathe and we drink deeply of this poisonous chalice. We nurse it, cultivate it and obsess about getting even. Of course, most of us don’t resort to violence, but our thoughts and the intention of our hearts can be all-consuming and we can be bent on revenge. Jesus’ teaching is counter-intuitive and kicks against our human nature.
The Holy Spirit shows us that resentment, revenge and recrimination imprison us in chains and rob us of joy. The Spirit replaces the fire of revenge with the fire of God’s love in our hearts. The Spirit gives us the wisdom to pray for our enemies and ask for God’s blessing upon those who wish us harm or who have hurt or wounded us. The Spirit helps us to put down the weapon of revenge and anger in our hearts: to bless and not curse, to love and not hate, to go the extra mile, offer the other cheek and love until it hurts. God understands our hurt and pain but as our Shepherd he leads us into the pastures of his love where we can rest and be restored, and can reach out to others with the mercy and love we have received.
 
Lord, teach me not to repay evil for evil but to live in peace with everyone. Grant that I may not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

From:
BIBLE ALIVE - Daily Bible Reflections --- Monday of week 11 in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 21:1-16    Psalm 5:2-7  •  GOSPEL Matthew 5:38-42






MATT MAHER - LORD I NEED YOU (WYD:RIO)










Pope Francis: The world hates meekness of Christians






FROM - THE DIARY OF SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA - no:1628


Teaching on Feelings
Meditation:


(Diary passages with bolded words are Jesus speaking)


During Holy Mass, I saw Jesus stretched out on the Cross, and He said to me, My pupil, have great love for those who cause you suffering. Do good to those who hate you. I answered, "O my Master, You see very well that I feel no love for them, and that troubles me." Jesus answered, It is not always within your power to control your feelings. You will recognize that you have love if, after having experienced annoyance and contradiction, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who have made you suffer and wish them well (Diary, 1628).

My Prayer Response:


Thank You, Jesus, for teaching me about my feelings when annoyed by people. Help me to love them and remain in peace. Whenever I think of them, remind me to pray for them.










Pope Francis : To suffer with patience is a Christian grace





Pope Francis celebrates Mass at a Roman cemetery: Those who sow discord aren't happy




WHAT HELD YOU ON THE CROSS, JESUS ?
click on white arrow to start video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmArMV0l_0


NitolbuK Ġesù, għejna nħossuK tkellimna kull jum. Agħllimna ngħejxu fis-sliem u l-paċi f’qalbna ukoll f'mumenti ta' provi iebsa. Saqqina bl-umiltà, bil-għerf u bil-kuraġġ biex nistqarru l-Verità, il-Kelma tiegħeK li twiddeb, li twissi, li tgħallem, li tfejjaq, li teħles, li timla' bid-dinjità, li tqaddes...f'kull sitwazzjoni, ukoll fejn insibuha difficli, fejn irridu nbaxxu rasna aħna, ukoll meta nafu li qed niġu ġġudikati bil-qerq, b'kuntrarji f'ħajjitna...nieqfu, nisktu u nemmnu bil-qawwa li INT taf minn x'hiex inkunu għaddejjin... u noffrulek dawn il-mumenti diffiċli, hudhom f'idejk; u ngħidu "Ikun dak li trid Int O Alla. Ammen." Għax Int tista' kollox !
 
 
Hebrews 4:12
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
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[Lhud 4:12]
Il-kelma ta' Alla hi ħajja u qawwija, taqta' aktar minn xabla b'żewġt ixfar; hija tinfed sa tifred minn xulxin ir-ruħ u  l-ispirtu u l-ġogi u l-mudullun; u tgħarbel il-ħsibijiet u l-fehmiet  tal-qalb.




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Galatians 5:16-26

The Works of the Flesh

16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Fruit of the Spirit

22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.


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Galatin 5:16-26

Il-frott tal-ġisem

[Gal 5:16] Jien ngħidilkom, imxu fl-Ispirtu u taqgħux għall-passjonijiet tal-ġisem. [Gal 5:17] Il-passjonijiet tal-ġisem huma kontra l-Ispirtu, u  l-Ispirtu hu kontra l-ġisem; dawn it-tnejn huma kontra xulxin, biex ma jħallukomx tagħmlu dak li tixtiequ. [Gal 5:18] Jekk lilkom imexxikom l-Ispirtu, m'intomx taħt il-liġi. [Gal 5:19] L-għemejjel tal-ġisem huma magħrufa: żína, faħx, nuqqas ta' rażan, [Gal 5:20] idolatrija, seħer, mibegħda, ġlied, għira, korla, ambizzjoni, firda, partiti, [Gal 5:21] invidja, sokor, tbaħrid, u ħwejjeġ bħal dawn. Nwissikom, bħalma wissejtkom qabel, min jagħmel dawn il-ħwejjeġ ma jiritx is-saltna ta' Alla.


Il-frott ta' l-Ispirtu
 
[Gal 5:22] Il-frott ta' l-Ispirtu huma: l-imħabba, l-hena, is-sliem, is-sabar, il-ħniena, it-tjieba, il-fidi, [Gal 5:23] il-ħlewwa, ir-rażan. Kontra dawn ma hemmx liġi. [Gal 5:24] Dawk li huma ta' Kristu Ġesù sallbu l-ġisem il-ġibdiet u l-passjonijiet tiegħu. [Gal 5:25] Jekk ngħixu bl-Ispirtu, ħalli nimxu bl-Ispirtu; [Gal 5:26] ma nkunux minn dawk li jfittxu l-ftaħir fieragħ; ma nġarrbux lil xulxin; ma ngħirux għal xulxin.

 
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Isaija 55
 
 
 
 
Isaiah 55 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

An Invitation to Abundant Life

55 Ho, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
    and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.
Seek the Lord while he may be found,
    call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,
    and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
    and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12 For you shall go out in joy,
    and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
    shall burst into song,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
    instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
    for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
 
 
 
 
 
The best teacher in the world is a Muslim: “I learned a lesson from Pope Francis” 

 
 
 
 
 
also...
 
Mt 5:20-26 -- ...your righteousness ... - ...il-ħajja tajba tagħkom... --- & --- Anger - Il-korla --- Mk 7:14-23 ...Suppervja...rabja...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

MARY'S WAY OF THE CROSS by Richard G. Furey, C.Ss.R.

 
Mary's Way of the Cross
 
narrated by Angelina
 
written by Richard G. Furey, C.Ss.R.

 
Part 1


 
 
Part 2 

 

 
Part 3

 
 
 
 
Mary’s Way of the Cross: by Richard G. Furey, CSs.R
download:
 

 
Reader:
“I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to be as you say.” Those words, some of the very few that Mary speaks in Scripture, set in motion the process of our redemption. Those words also opened for Mary a life which she could never have imagined, one which must have certainly been blest with happiness, as well as great sorrow. Simeon told Mary at the very beginning of her Child’s life that “a sword of sorrow” would pierce her heart. With so little written about Mary in Scripture, one can only wonder about these joys and sorrows. What was it like for the one person who was perhaps closer to Jesus than anyone else as she daily came to understand her Son’s life? What can we learn from her experience of this process of redemption?
Mary stood by her Son throughout His passion and, in her faith, experienced the joy of His resurrection.
 
As we reflect on our theme, let us begin this Lenten season walking with Mary’s suffering as she watched her Son.
 
First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Die
Reader
It was early Friday morning when I saw my Son. That was the first glimpse I had of Him since they took Him away. His bruised and bleeding skin sent a sword of pain deep into my heart and tears down my cheeks. Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment, asked the crowd why they wanted my Son executed. All around me they shouted, “Crucify him!” I wanted to plead with them to stop, but I knew this had to be. So I stood by and cried silently.
Reader:
Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to imagine the anguish your mother felt at your condemnation. But what about today, when I hold a grudge…? “Crucify him!”
“When I judge others…? “Crucify him!” Doesn’t this bring tears of anguish to both you and your mother? Forgive me, Jesus.
 
Second Station: Jesus Takes His Cross
Reader:
Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square.
A door flew open and my Son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind Him.
Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on His shoulders.
Then they shoved Him down the road. My pain for Him was unbearable.
I wanted to take the cross from Him and carry it myself.
But I knew this had to be, so I walked on silently.
Reader:
Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me for the many times I have added more weight to Your cross by closing my eyes to the pain and loneliness of my neighbour.
Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me. Help me to be like Mary, always seeking to lighten the crosses of others.  Forgive me, Jesus.
 
Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
Reader:
I followed close behind my Son as He stumbled toward Calvary.
Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see Him in such pain.
I saw the cross digging into His shoulders. My heart dropped when I saw Him fall face to the ground, the heavy cross landing squarely on His back. For a moment I thought my beloved Son was dead. Now, my whole body began to tremble. Then the guards kicked Him. He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped Him.
I wanted to protect Him with my own body. But, I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.
Reader:
Lord, how often have I seen You fall, and, unlike Mary, have left You there without concern? How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them?
How often do I find myself getting angry when someone does things differently than I? Mary offered You her support through your entire passion. Help me to do the same for You by the support I give to others. Lord, have mercy on me.
 
Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Grieving Mother
Reader:
I had managed to break through the crowd and was walking side by side with my Son.
I called to Him through the shouting voices. He stopped. Our eyes met, mine full of tears of anguish, His full of pain and confusion. I felt helpless; then His eyes said to me, “Courage! There is a purpose for this.” As He stumbled on, I knew He was right.
So I followed and prayed silently.
Reader:
Lord Jesus, forgive me the many times our eyes met and I turned mine away.
Forgive me the times things did not go my way and I let everyone know about it.
Forgive me the times I brooded over little inconveniences or became discouraged and did not heed Your call to courage! Yes, Lord, our eyes have met many times but fruitlessly.
 
Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Reader:
I could now see almost complete helplessness on the face of my Son as He tried to carry His heavy load. Each step looked as if it would be His last. I felt His every pain in my heart and I wanted the whole thing to end. Then I noticed some commotion near Jesus. The guards and pulled a protesting man from the crowd. They forced Him to pick up the back of the cross to help lighten my Son’s load. He asked the guards why this had to be. I knew, and so followed silently.
Reader:
Lord Jesus, I have many times refused to help You. I have been a selfish person who has often questioned your word. Don’t let me remain like Simon, but help me to be like Your mother, Mary, who always silently followed and obeyed.
 
Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Reader:
As I continued close by Jesus, a woman pushed past the guards took off her veil and began to wipe my Son’s sweating, bloody face. The guards immediately pulled her back. Her face seemed to say, “Why are you doing this to him?” I knew, so I walked on in faith, silently.
Reader:
Lord, this woman gave You the best she could. On the other hand, I have wanted to take more than I give. So many opportunities arise every day for me to give to You by giving to others—but I pass them by. My Saviour, never let me ask why again, but help me to give all I have to You.
 
Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Reader:
Again my Son fell, and again my grief was overwhelming at the thought that He might die.
I started to move toward Him, but the soldiers prevented me. He rose and stumbled ahead slowly. Seeing my Son fall, get up again, and continue on, was bitter anguish to me. But, since I knew this had to be, I walked on silently.
Reader:
Lord, of all people Mary was Your most faithful follower, never stopping in spite of all the pain she felt for You. I have many times turned away from You by my sins and have caused others to turn away from You. I beg You to have mercy on me.
 
Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women
Reader:
I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw Him stop. Some women were there crying for Him and pitying Him. He told them not to shed tears from Him. They had the opportunity to accept Him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected Him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and His walk to death. I did, and as He walked on, I followed silently.
Reader:
My Saviour, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults of others and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked Your pardon. Lord, You have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness.
 
Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Reader:
This fall of Jesus was agony to me. Not only had He fallen on the rocky ground again, but now He was almost at the top of the hill of crucifixion. The soldiers screamed at Him and abused Him, almost dragging Him the last few steps. My heart pounded as I imagined what they would do to Him next. But, I knew this had to be, so I climbed the hill silently behind Him.
Reader:
My loving Jesus, I know that many times I have offered my hand to help people but when it became inconvenient or painful to me I left them, making excuses for myself.
Help me, Lord, to be like Your mother, Mary, and never take my supporting hand away from those who need it.
 
Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Reader:
With my Son finally relieved of the weight of the cross, I thought He would have a chance to rest. But the guards immediately started to rip His clothes off His blood-clotted skin. The sight of my Son in such pain was unbearable. Yet, since I knew this had to be, I stood by and cried silently.
Reader:
Lord, in my own way I too have stripped You. I have taken away the good name of another by foolish talk, and have stripped people of human dignity by my prejudice.
Jesus, there are so many ways I have offered You through the hurt I have caused others. Help me to see You in all people.
 
Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Reader:
As they threw Jesus on the cross, He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed. As they punctured His hands and His feet I felt the pain in my heart. Then they lifted up the cross. There He was, my Son, whom I love so much, being scorned as He struggled for the last few moments of earthly life. But I knew this had to be, so I stood by and prayed silently.
Reader:
Lord, what pain You endured for me. And what pain Your mother went through, seeing her only Son die for love of me! Yet, both You and she are ready to forgive me as soon as I repent of my sin. Help me, Lord, to turn away from my sinfulness.
 
Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader:
What greater pain is there for a mother than to see her Son die right before her eyes!
I, who had brought this Saviour into the world and watch Him grow, stood helplessly beneath His cross as He lowered His head and died. His earthly anguish was finished, but mine was greater than ever. Yet, this had to be and I had to accept it, so I stood by and I mourned silently.
 
Reader:
My Jesus, have mercy on me for what my sins have done to You and to others.
I thank You for Your great act of love. You have said that true love is laying down your life for your friends. Let me always be Your friend. Teach me to live my life for others, and not fail You again.
 
Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken From the Cross
Reader:
The crowd had gone; the noise had stopped. I stood quietly with one of Jesus’ friends and looked up at the dead body of our Saviour, my Son.
Then two men took the body from the cross and placed it in my arms. A deep sorrow engulfed my being. Yet, I also felt deep joy. Life had ended cruelly for my Son, but it had also brought life to all of us. I knew this had to be, and I prayed silently.
Reader:
Lord, Your passion has ended. Yet, it still goes on whenever I choose sin over You.
I have done my part in Your crucifixion and now, my Saviour, I beg Your forgiveness with all my heart. Help me to live a life worthy of You and Your mother.
 
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
We brought Jesus’ body to a tomb and I arranged it there myself, silently weeping, silently rejoicing. I took one more look at my loving Son, and then walked out.
They closed the tomb and before I left, I thought, I knew this had to be…it had to be for you! I would wait in faith silently.
Reader:
Yes, my Lord, this had to be because You love me, and for no other reason. All You ask is that I live a good life. You never said such a life would be easy. I am willing to leave sin behind and live for You alone, in my brothers and sisters.
 
Fifteenth Station: Jesus is Raised From the Dead
Reader:
I could only be most grateful for the sacrifice of my Son for us. Yet, what emptiness I felt trying to live without Him whom I loved so! But, only two days later that emptiness was filled beyond belief—He had risen! Our Saviour had opened the doors to a new life. That is the way it had to be—because His undying love for you would not stop at anything less. I could rejoice forever, but not in silence.
Reader:
My Saviour, thank you! Thank you for such endless love that helps me to rise out of my own sinfulness. I will try again to live a better life. Help me to always remember that love. Mary, mother of our risen Saviour, teach me to be like you, and in my love for others, love Him in return.
 
 

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