Abbey-Roads2

Yesterday would have been the first station, if we consider each day before Easter as a day dedicated to one of the fourteen stations of the cross, thus Holy Saturday would be the 14th station.  I must have left a pamphlet I composed for the stations in my old office, and therefore I’m not able to copy from it for the blog.

I composed it as my Lectio when a novice in the Trappists, and use it during Passiontide.  As I mentioned (Passion Sunday included) if each day is a station, the 14th station is Holy Saturday.  Therefore I’ll combine the first and second station for today - since I spent yesterday searching for the pamphlet.

Station I and II:  Jesus is condemned to die and accepts His cross.

Lectio

“At daybreak they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium…Pilate came out to them.  ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’” - Jn 18: 28 

“Jesus would not give Him any answer” -Jn 19: 9

Meditatio

“I said, ‘I will be watchful of my ways lest I sin with my tongue…I will put a curb on my lips when the wicked man stands before me’.  I was dumb, silent and still.” Ps. 38

“In the end, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified…Jesus was led away…carrying the cross by himself.” - Jn 19: 16

“You have given me a short span of days; my life is as nothing in your sight.  A mere breath the man who stood so firm, a mere shadow, the man passing by…”  Ps. 38

Oratio

O my Jesus, innocent Lamb of God, O God of meekness, turn your Holy Face to look at me as you gazed upon Peter, for I have betrayed you much more seriously and consistently.  Pierce my heart with contrition and permit me to follow you along this way of sorrows in union with the most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners.

Contemplatio

  “Seeking my love, I will head for the mountains and for watersides, I will not gather flowers nor fear wild beasts, I will go beyond strong men and frontiers.” (John of the Cross)

We adore thee O Christ and praise thee!  For by thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.