I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven, over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need repentance. Luke 15:7
Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31-32
“No matter how blessed we are in life, we all have our own crosses to bear. No one lives a life free from pain, tribulation, sorrow, or hardship, in mind or body.” Help us, Lord, to bear our crosses.
“There is no escape from the cross; and Christ fully human, bore the burden of his cross physically for all to see, to show that there is nothing He asks us to endure that He has not endured before us. Lord, give us the strength to carry the cross we have been given, show us how to lighten the load by trusting in Your love.”
“Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
“To deny ourselves is to disown ourselves as the center of our existence.” Are you willing to do this? To deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ?
“Lord, grant us the strength to replace our shortcomings with humility and generosity of spirit.”
“Lord, where we have wrongly judged others unfairly, or held prejudice against people, we ask you to help us change and to send us forgiveness.”
“Crucify Him! Crucify him! Why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death. But they kept on shouting, demanding that Jesus be crucified. Pilate handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.”
“Lord, teach us not to judge or harbor any unkind thoughts towards others. We can understand so little, and our judgment will always be biased by motives of jealousy, greed, or pride. Help us to instead recognize our own faults, but allow us to see ourselves as others see us, and especially as you see us.”
“May we never forget the depth of Jesus’ love for us, as he repeatedly forgives our sins which brought about his death.”
“Lord, if it is your will, please lay my cross on me gently, and grant me the strength to carry it bravely, with you, and for your love.”
“Empty me Beloved Lord, of all thoughts except those that will bring me to a deeper understanding of what you endured for my sake.” (SOTC)
“Lord, I offer myself and my small journey for all those who today still cause you agony, by perpetuating the rejection you suffered as God-made-Man.”
Our Lenten Journey – we will persevere to the end.
As we reflect on the Fourteen Stations of the Cross in memory of Jesus’ passion, may each step lead us closer to his death for our love, so that with each step we may die more to self.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord forgive my iniquity, for it is great. Psalm 25:11
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving kindness, according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.”
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me of secret faults O God. Psalm 19:12
“Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.”