A Reflection on the Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Amidst the jeering crowd stands one group of women who refuse to turn away from Jesus. When it is so easy for them to deny him, to run away from the scene, their compassion and faith in him remains steadfast. To what extent can we say the same of ourselves? How often have we turned our backs from Jesus because it was the easiest option out of a difficult situation?
In his very own hour of need and great discomfort, Jesus stops to recognise the distress of the women of Jerusalem. He consoles them, saying,
“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children”.
Just as Jesus acknowledges the suffering of these women, so too does he recognise the hardship and anguish faced in our world today. Even in his own pain, he is acutely aware of the suffering of others. Let us not wallow in self-pity but reach out and comfort those around us in distress. Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to the suffering of your people.
Together we weep for the children who find themselves alone or in difficult circumstances. We weep for the women across the world who are exploited and victimised. We weep for the youth who are struggling to find their purpose in life, for the elderly who feel isolated or lonely. We weep for those being persecuted, for those whose lands have been torn apart by warfare and unspeakable violence, we weep for those who are homeless and those who seek refuge. We weep for those who feel like they have nobody to turn to, and nowhere they can go.
Lord, give us the generosity of spirit to help us recognise their pain. Strengthen us with the courage to challenge the systems that place these burdens upon them. Give us the compassion to help and support them.
Lord, fill us with your mercy.
Written for Creative Stations of the Cross at Fisher House - an annual tradition at our Chaplaincy on the last Friday evening of term where students share creative responses to each of the stations.