Reflections on the Fourteen (14) Stations of the New Way of the Cross (Part 2 of 3)

Sixth Station – Jesus Falls

The falling of Jesus reminds us of our falling into sin. When I was a child, we gradually were taught what are the different sins. Innocent and obedient to God we were. Every time we commit one, we are conscious and want to confess it right away in order to have a clear conscience. This growth and development I had, I always associated with Christ falling down. The falling is painful but it is more difficult to stand up. For senior citizens, this is very pronounced. Even when we hear Mass where kneeling is supposed to be an ordinary action, for many who have reached 70, the kneeling is not painful but the rising is. Presently, I skip a few kneeling such as after receiving Communion.

Imagine our Lord Jesus falling. If only it were to be permitted, he would had chosen just to stay fallen. His standing up is almost an impossible thing to do.

I remember climbing a 100–step Station of the Cross mountain which was still for cementing and on a steep side. It rained just when we were going down at 5:00 in the afternoon and we must hurry or else we will be overtaken by darkness and will be in greater danger. I took the mountain side while my cousin guarded me from the cliff side. It was an ordeal. When we reached the bottom of the mountain, my knees were giving in! I had to be helped by a close friend. That is the closest experience which comes to mind about the fall of Jesus.

We must be watchful to fall into the same kinds of sins because the addiction to it might give us more difficulty standing up to avoid it. May we also understand better the fall of others so that we may be able to assist them quickly.

Seventh Station – Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

The soldiers, who have grown callous to the sufferings of those carrying their crosses, knew that Jesus could not reach Golgotha if no one helps him carry His cross. So they called on Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross.

Simon helped carry the cross. He helped Jesus Christ carry our sins to the crucifixion place. If only we were there and we knew He was carrying our sins, we may had done the same thing except when our fear of the soldiers would prevent us from doing so. How blessed was Simon. I feel when He was doing it, he may not even have known he was helping Jesus, the Son of God.

How blessed are we that at this time, we know Jesus is God who carried the cross and died for us. Blessed a hundred-fold were those who knew Him and believe He was God.

How do we help Him carry the cross? We are called by God to serve Him as we serve other human beings. Who are these? Are they not the ones around us who need our attention and resources and talents? For us, seniors, there are still several things we could do depending on our health and capacity.

May I give myself as an example? I am not good in cooking especially with the fad of the grandchildren. Moreover, the eyes of the senior citizens are defective, our balance very delicate and watch out, we could be easily hurt emotionally. Here is the best time to practice stewardship, starting from home. In addition, the emphasis of our Church on stewardship, the call to protect Mother Earth is also strong. The disasters bringing us destruction today could be mainly due to the abuse of nature. Could we water the plants which could wither because of intense heat? Could we set the table and wash dishes when all are working or studying? Could we help the cook wash when the skin between the fingers crack because of allergy? Could we fold dry clothes? Could we take time just to listen and give inspiring and comforting words for problems in office or difficulty of exams? Could we still enjoy weeding but be sure we stand up slowly bending so that we could stand? These are easy tasks, very menial but could assist those in the house. I could enjoy working in the garden for 2 hours straight. These gestures of stewardship could be done right in the family. Helping others in the neighborhood is commendable. I love volunteering for schools and NGOs.

We could be Simons in our own unique way. Dear Lord, make us holy daily especially in the practice of stewardship which many people think only the young and healthy could do. We could do the menial tasks with love for you through others.

Eighth Station – Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

As Jesus was on His way to Calvary, many people saw Him including women, some of whom may had brought their children along. Maybe some of them may have known Jesus. In their pity for Him, they shed tears of sorrow. Jesus told them to weep more for their children than for Him. Our loving God, in His authentic love for us, even in sorrow and agony, still think of us rather than Himself. I suppose, we have this instinctive quality in us. How many times when we see the members of the family needing something, we easily give up our share. This is common when it comes to food. In almost countless times, the grandparents would hand over to the grandchildren, food which they think the latter will love to eat. Is this not a sign not only of love for them but the height of maturity and actualization which grandparents have reached? Of course we have to be very discerning that when we do this, the children will not become greedy nor inconsiderate of other people.

If the cycle of love and giving is complete, when the grandchildren become adults, the same desirable gesture of giving will be repeated. This is a beautiful aspect of life, the cycle of loving and giving. And when the seniors will be so weak to take care of themselves, the kind young ones will do the sharing and serving.

Ninth Station – Jesus is Stripped of His Garment and Nailed on the Cross

The painful moments are coming closer and closer. Jesus has reached Calvary and is now stripped of His garment before being nailed on the Cross. For me, this is a dreaded moment. The stripping is painful but to think of the pain of being nailed and to be hanging on the cross is of terrible pain. I am almost sobbing thinking of this moment. How big is His love to suffer this infamous, dreadful and most painful way to die for us. Oh, my Lord and my God! We are so blessed to be saved from eternal damnation by this death on the cross.

What shall I do, Lord, that I will not crucify you again? A resolution every New Year and Good Friday is not enough. It may be an exaggeration but it will need daily reflection how to avoid temptation and sin. The daily Mass well attended is a help since we are helped to freshly remember His death and resurrection. Regular confession will assist us to say goodbye to sins committed in such a way that they do not anymore let us remember them nor tempt us again. A question to ask is, if Christ were around with me, would He approve what I am thinking, talking, doing or not doing? Examination of conscience before sleeping and thanking God for whatever good happened and learnings internalized and resolutions for tomorrow, all together is a great help. The last actions, if done every evening, could accumulate to living a holy life.