Second Station: Jesus takes up his Cross
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:37-42)
Silent Reflection
A Celtic Reflection
Christ’s cross over this face. Christ’s cross over this ear, and eye, and nose. Christ’s cross to accompany me before me. Christ’s cross to accompany me behind me. Christ’s cross to meet every difficulty both on hollow and hill. Christ’s cross eastwards facing me. Christ’s cross back towards the sunset. In the north, in the south, increasingly may Christ’s cross straightway be. Christ’s cross up to broad heaven. Christ’s cross down to earth. Let no evil or hurt come to my body or my soul. Christ’s cross over me as I sit. Christ’s cross over me as I lie. Christ’s cross be all my strength until we reach the King of Heaven. From the top of my head to the nail of my foot, O Christ, against every danger I trust in the protection of the cross. Till the day of my death, going into this clay, I shall trace Christ’s cross over my face.
Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.