Good Friday

These inspiring words are from the Station of the Cross booklet, "Everyone's Way of the Cross" published by Ave Maria.

"...Remind me often
that in carrying my cross,
I carry yours with you.
And though I bear a sliver only
of your cross,
You carry all of mine, except a sliver,
in return."

"...Make me content with all my discontents..."

"...Lord make me realize
that everytime I wipe a dish,
pick up an object off the floor,
assist a child in some small task ,
or give another preference in traffic or the store;
each time I feed the hungry,
clothe the hungry,
teach the ignorant,
or lend my hand in any way-
it matters not to whom-
my name is Simon.
And the kindess I extend to them
I really give to you..."

"...Where is my bloody face you ask?

At home whenever eyes fill up with tears,
at work when tensions rise,
on playgrounds,
in the slums,
the courts, the hospitals, the jails-
wherever suffering exists-
And there I look for you
to wipe my blood and tears..."

"...May gentleness become my cloak..."

"....No matter what my past has been
I can begin anew..."

"...My God! My God! Forsake us not!
We know not what we do..."

"...I beg you, Lord,
help me accept the partings that must
come... most of all (of)
my dear ones when you shall call them to yourself

Then give me grace to say:
"As it has pleased you, Lord,
to take them home,
I bow to your most holy will,
and if by just one word
I might restore their lives
against your will
I would not speak."

Grant them eternal joy..."