Way of the Cross
Station II
Jesus Takes Up His Cross
Stop and really look at this moment in the life of Jesus. What strikes you? What speaks to your heart? What do you think Jesus is feeling? What does it tell you about how much He loves you? Spend some time in prayer and listen to what Jesus is inviting you into.
As St. Leonard was devoted to the Stations of the Cross, we are making the Way of the Cross the centerpiece of the 150th Anniversary and every month we will be highlighting one of the stations. We invite you to pray and reflect on these monthly meditations to enter fully into this moment of Jesus’ Passion and to allow yourself to be transformed by the Cross.
II
Jesus Takes Up His Cross
We Adore you, Oh Christ, and we praise you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Meditation offered by Father Rick Martignetti, OFM
After being beaten, humiliated, and sentenced to death, Jesus is further mocked and despised by being made to carry the very object that would become the instrument of His torture and death. But astoundingly, He accepted it. He accepted the cross. He didn’t have to. He could have invoked his heavenly power and called upon an army of angels to defend Him and deliver Him from this fate. But then what would we do when faced with our crosses and burdens? By accepting His cross with love, He shows us the way and revealed the deeper truth that the cross does not deform, it transforms. Now we too can courageously carry our cross with love, drawing strength from His example, and trusting that He will use the cross to take us safely through death and into resurrection.
Journal Question:
What burdens and crosses do you carry that you would like to have Jesus transform for you?
About the artist: Adam Moniz is a Catholic Illustrator and Fine Artist who draws his creative inspiration from the beauty of our Lord. He is pursuing a master’s degree in sacred art at Pontifex University. Follow him at: www.atmonizarts.com or on Instagram @atm_adamtmoniz