JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH

JESUS, most innocent, who neither did nor could commit sin, was
condemned to death, and, moreover, to the ignominious death of the
cross. To remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivered Him to His
enemies. A fearful crime--to condemn innocence to death, and to offend
God, in order not to displease men.

_Prayer_

O INNOCENT Jesus, having sinned I am guilty of eternal death, but Thou
dost willingly accept the unjust sentence of death, that I might live.
For whom, then, shall I henceforth live, if not for Thee, my Lord?
Should I desire to please men, I could not be Thy servant. Let me,
therefore, rather displease men and all the world than not please Thee,
O Jesus.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Second Station

JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS

ON BEHOLDING the cross, our divine Saviour most willingly stretched out
His bleeding arms, lovingly embraced it, tenderly kissed it, and placing
it on His bruised shoulder, despite His exhaustion joyfully carried it.

_Prayer_

O MY Jesus, I can not be Thy friend and follower if I refuse to carry
the cross. O dearly beloved cross, I embrace thee, I kiss thee, I
rejoice to receive thee from the hands of God. Far be it from me to
glory in anything save in the cross of my Lord and Redeemer. By it the
world shall be crucified to me, and I to the world, that I may be Thine
for ever.

Our Father, etc. Hail, Mary, etc

Third Station

JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

OUR dear Saviour carrying the cross was so weakened by its heavy weight
as to fall exhausted to the ground. Our sins and misdeeds were the heavy
burden which oppressed Him; the cross was to Him light and sweet, but
our sins were galling and insupportable.

_Prayer_

O MY Jesus! Thou didst bear my burden and the heavy weight of my sins.
Should I, then, not bear in union with Thee my easy burden of suffering
and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? Thy yoke is sweet and Thy
burden light; I therefore willingly accept it. I will take up Thy cross
and follow Thee.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc,

Fourth Station

JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER

HOW painful and how sad it must have been for Mary, the sorrowful
Mother, to behold her beloved Son laden with the burden of the cross!
What unspeakable pangs her most tender heart experienced! How earnestly
she yearned to die instead of, or at least with, Jesus! Implore this
sorrowful Mother that she assist you in the hour of y