THE EIGHTH STATION: JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

As Jesus carries the burden of the cross, He turns from His own pain and suffering and addresses the women of Jerusalem with compassion. He knows the saving action at the end of His walk to Calvary will have profound ramifications. He knows the women will face tough decisions in their own lives — as we do each day in our own lives. Jesus’ admonition, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children,” (Luke 23:28) calls us to reflect on the relationship we have with Him.

Do we have a deep abiding love for our Lord? Do we live each moment with the hope and assurance of being with Him eternally? Do we love unconditionally? Do we put others’ needs ahead of our own?

Or are we lukewarm in our relationship? Do we avow love of Christ, but then act without thought? Do we gossip? Overeat? Turn a blind eye to those in need? Do we make excuses for ourselves as we live in this manner? Then surely, Christ’s words ring true, “ … weep for yourselves…”

Christ’s words remind us not to just give lip service to God, but to let our ‘yes’ to living faithful to His teachings mean ‘yes’ and our ‘no’ to sin mean ‘no’! “Anything more is from the evil one.” (Mt 5:37)