Abbey-Roads2

Lectio 

“Two others who were criminals were led along with him to be crucified…” Luke 23:32

“I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard.  My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.  The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced.  I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.  He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me let us appear together.  Who disputes my right?  Let him confront me…” Is. 50: 6-8

Meditatio

I often think of you as carrying the cross alone, forgetting about the thieves who accompanied you…perhaps at this stage both of these criminals were contending with you as well, hoping to be exhonerated of their crimes like Barabas.  They too may have laughed and mocked as you fell for the first time.  Why do we laugh when we see someone fall, either morally, socially or physically? 

Who helped you up Lord?  Was there not one to help you?  Amidst the scorners not one with pity?  Those carrying their own cross - couldn’t they help?  It must have been the executioners who lifted you up, so that you could move along the way with the “two others who were criminals.”

Oratio

Jesus - I see you fallen, prostrate and in pain upon the ground while everyone laughs and mocks you to scorn…and yet you look at me, your Holy Face so wounded and bruised,  covered in blood, sweat, dust, and spittle.  You look at me.  You see me - you touch me with your eyes.  You are there in my falls, although my sins may at first obscure the beauty of your Face.   I see you as my light and my salvation, hence, whom shall I fear?  Jesus, I trust in you.

Contemplatio

“May my eyes behold you, because you are their light…and I would open them to you alone.”  - John of the Cross

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

Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I trust in you.