Contemporary Stations - Station Seven, Jesus Accepts (Bears) the Cross

... the crowd pressed in to see this man condemned to die on Calvary. [ ... ] ... and he bore with every step the scorn of those who cried out for his death. [ ... ] ... and he chose to walk that path out of his love for you and me.

I just can't grasp this, can't wrap my mind around this - that Christ would choose, CHOOSE to accept the cross, that cross, the cross that would ultimately mean his death and all for me, Me ... the horrifying being that I am. Why? WHY? I ask myself this question all the time. Who am I that you would be mindful of me, ME?

As I sat and pondered this station while listening to a conversation in the background around me ('forgiveness isn't for the one who wronged you; forgiveness is for you, your healing!'), I leapt to conclusion (a probably wrong conclusion but ...). God has forgiven me because he knows that he cannot have a relationship with me otherwise; my own constant sinning will always separate us. Christ chose to walk that path of suffering to cover my sin, in essence he is my forgiveness so that I may have a relationship with God.

... and he chose to walk that path out of love for you and me; on the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

Father God, who am I that you are mindful of me, that you would sacrifice so much for one such as I? Thank you, Father God, for your sacrifice. Lord Jesus Christ, it is through you that I can be in relationship with you, with the Holy Spirit, with God the Father. Teach me, Lord Jesus, to love as you have loved - even me.