The Eighth Station, Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You!

Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world!

These women already mourned and lamented for You and what You were yet to endure.  Scripture doesn't tell us much about them, but it does record your words to them, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.  At that time people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?  (Luke 23:28-32)

It's amazing.  You spoke very few words to Pilate, the one who had "power" to release You or to order your death.  Yet to these women who we know really nothing about, you addressed a longer discourse.

Lord, your compassion for these women is a tremendous challenge to us.  Even when you were nearing the end of your physical strength, You took time and energy to comfort these women in their sorrow. 

Lord, help us to be more like You.