Spirit Singing

 A Meditation on the First Station of the Cross: 

Jesus is Condemned to Death

Photo: R. Massaro (C) 2018 Spirit Singing Cathedral of the Incarnation Nashville, TN

In the cross is the height of virtue and the perfection of all sanctity. Without the cross there is no salvation for our souls, nor hope of life eternal. Take your cross, then, and follow Jesus, and you will go into everlasting life.

Remember that Jesus has gone before you bearing His cross and has given His life for you upon that cross, so that you may bear your own cross and long to die on it for love of Him. For if you die with Him, you will also live with Him; and if you have shared His suffering, you will also share His glory. 
The Imitation of Christ, Book 2, Chap. 12, No. 2

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Perhaps it was something very minor, but the accusation still hurt you. Maybe you still recall this event, saying to someone, "Do you remember the time so-and-so said I never returned his book?"  Perhaps, it was an accusation for something more serious that got your family members involved, your employer involved, or members of an organization involved. If we have been falsely accused we can identify with Jesus who was falsely accused and sentenced to death.

As we meditate on this First Station, we can recall the events of the false accusations against us and see that they are minor compared to what Our Lord suffered for us, however, our Merciful Savior invites us to offer to him the troubles of our heart. He is ever-ready to heal the hurtful memories we hold closely to our heart. He is ready to help us to forgive all those who have hurt us. 

As Carmelites, let us remember the teaching of our Sister and Saint, Therese, the Little Flower. She teaches us in her Little Way, to offer up these things and keep them hidden, so that only the Father sees what we are suffering and offering up for Him.  We must get over our ego that instructs us to tell anyone who will listen how we have been wronged and falsely accused. 

Scripture tells us that God is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Let us strive to grow in virtue, virtue that helps us to become Christlike, so that,we become quick to forgive all those who hurt us in life.

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.






Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS