The eighth Station: JESUS CONSOLES THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM.
This time I hear You before I see You. I hear the heavy cross bumping against the stones as You drag it along. I hear the gasping and panting of a dying Man. You've just turned the corner. Here You come bent low beneath the tree. I strain to get a glimpse of You. You stop, struggling to catch Your breath. Incredibly the crowd falls silent. Some how the crowd is more sympathetic. There are mostly women. I see Your chest heaving. Where the two timbers meet You lift Your head. Now You're up close and in Person. I see the blood flow, Your watery gaze, Your hands shaking on the cross bar and I am broken. Is it the horror of what my sins have done to You that breaks me or the love that I see undesquised despite Your marred countenance? Oh Jesus!
There's not a dry eye among us. We remember. We haven't forgotten how You loved us, took care us, healed the sick, touched the lepers, struggled with us, suffered with us, shared our bread, kept company with us, embraced us. You came to us, Friend of the poor and the lonely. What's happened to You, Jesus the Nazerene, the Son of Israel, Yeshua Din N'Zareth
You turn and speak and the ancient Aramaic language is like a song when spoken by You, Your matchless voice. "Daughters of Ye-ru-sa-ly-em! Do not weep for Me!"
You turn and speak and the ancient Aramaic language is like a song when spoken by You, Your matchless voice. "Daughters of Ye-ru-sa-ly-em! Do not weep for Me!"
You've forgotten Yourself again Jesus! You tell the women to think about their children and what will happen to them. A sad lament escapes Your lips. "For if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"
But I do weep Jesus as I recall Your Passion. Make me a green tree! Don't let me become hardened and dry. Plant me within the rich soil of Your love and let my roots go deep down into Your heart. Make me a green leafy tree, a shade and comfort for You when the world rejects You. When sin crouches at my door, help me to cut it off by the roots!
But I do weep Jesus as I recall Your Passion. Make me a green tree! Don't let me become hardened and dry. Plant me within the rich soil of Your love and let my roots go deep down into Your heart. Make me a green leafy tree, a shade and comfort for You when the world rejects You. When sin crouches at my door, help me to cut it off by the roots!
Gently I carried My cross so close to My heart.
You must know beloved, of that wood you were a part.
Every shame, every sin,
every hardship was etched within.
~Jesus
~Jesus
