Second Station. Jesus Takes Up His Cross.

We adore you, Christ, and we praise you.

Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the World.

John, Chapter 19, verses 14 to 17. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. Pilate said to the Jews, 'Here is your King!' They cried out, 'Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!' Pilate asked them, 'Shall I crucify your King?' The chief priests answered, 'We have no king but the emperor.' Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

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.

Jesus, you gave yourself for us. As the prophet wrote, you were not rebellious. You did not turn back. You gave your back to those who struck you, your cheeks to those who pulled out your beard. You did not hide your face from insult and spitting. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice, for taking up your cross, for showing your love for us. Help us to understand the depths of your love.