Jesus Recieved the Cross

      Most Loving Jesus, I offer Thee the acts of adoration, of praise, of union and of supplication which Thy Holy Mother offered Thee in this Station.

      "I have a baptism (of blood) wherewith I am to be baptized; and how I amstraitened until it is accomplished". These words of Jesus show the intensity of the love with which He takes up and carries His Cross. They also express the measure of Mary's love. Her Heart, drawn by its love for Jesus, faithfully follows Him in His ardent desires and consents to His sacrifice. Do I not know that this worthy Mother, always conforming to the divine will, would have nailed Her own Son to His Cross with her own hands, had it been necessary for the salvation of my soul?

      What shall I render to the Queen of my Heart, and to Thee, O my Jesus, for that excess of love! Thou hast given me to understand that in order to please Thee, I must conquer myself. I must renounce myself every day of my life. I must patiently bear with the shortcomings of my neighbor. I must practice the Christian virtues and fight the good fight. O Mary, I consecrate myself to Thee at this moment as fervently as if I did it for the first time in my life, or the last; give me Thy love, give to all Thy children such true love as will enable them to shun no sacrifice in serving and pleasing Thee.

      Holy Mother, pierce me through,In my heart each wound renew, Of my Saviour Crucified!