Contemporary Stations - Station Nine, Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

And so you walk by ... scourged and bleeding, beaten and bruised, weak and exhausted. Who wouldn't be moved to tears as you pass by? Compassion wets the faces of the women who have followed you these three short years. Compassion with a mix of pity? Possibly regret and remorse? You are wounded ... they can see your brokenness, visible through your clothing. They too are wounded, as are all women, as am I.

We weep for you as we weep for all of our children, for you once were a child. We weep for you as we weep for all of our brothers, for you too are a brother. We weep for you as we weep for all of our men, for you are the ultimate man - the new Adam. And in the midst of our despair, through our weeping and keening, you pause and speak to us. Are your words comforting?
I cannot imagine them to be. You have been made to endure, made to suffer, made to die for the reconciliation of foolish and errant mankind. Are you bitter? Angry? You've been carrying a heavy burden, you've stumbled twice under the weight of it. Are your words harsh? I know mine would have been ... were ... still are; my ability to share compassion with those around me is weak, limited.

Lord Jesus, I weep because I do not know ... I do not know you well ... I have not the right relationship with you to understand. I pray, Father God, for a closer walk with your son. I pray, Father God, for a deeper relationship with him. I pray, Father God, for spirit-filled understanding. I long to be right with you Lord Jesus.  Lord Jesus, through your sacrifice I am made righteous.