Station 9, Day 1

Station 9, Day 1

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Luke 23:27-31

Meditation

            After Simon of Cyrene has taken Jesus’ cross, the journey along the Way of Suffering continues. At the 9^th Station of the Cross are women in the crowd who are mourning for Jesus. He musters the strength to turn to them to say that they should not weep for him but for themselves and their children. He implies there will be suffering to come for all, and there will be time and reason for weeping at that time.

            It is hard to imagine that Jesus predicted suffering for others that would be worse than what he was enduring at the time. He could have known, however, that suffering would come to all. Because he was leaving this earthly life, he would no longer be available to assist, comfort, and teach them.

Spiritual discipline

Fast for the next 2 days by waking up and starting your day 15 minutes earlier than usual, using the time for study, reflection, and prayer. When you wake up and realize it is early, remember Jesus warning others of the suffering to come, even as he was suffering. Whenever you feel tired throughout the day, remember Jesus, caring for others. As you prepare for bed in the evening, feeling more tired than usual, remember Jesus, whispering his warning to the women of Jerusalem.

Prayer

            Faithful Lord, only you could find the strength to counsel those around you, even as your body is racked with pain and exhaustion. Let your actions along this road be an inspiration to me to encourage others as I walk my road. Amen.

This is the 32^nd in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.