April 3, 2012 Tuesday: Divine Mercy Mass
Many of us during Lent have been praying the Way of the
Cross. Do you ever wonder what Jesus wants to tell us when we pray the Way of
the Cross? I found one version of the Way of the Cross based on the words from
the Diary of St. Faustina where Jesus speaks to St. Faustina. Really, these
words are for us. So let me share some of the prayers of the stations with you,
especially as we prepare for this Holy Week.
The First Station:
Jesus is Condemned to Death
Jesus said to Saint Faustina: Do not be surprised that you are
sometimes unjustly accused. I myself first drank this cup of undeserved
suffering for love of you. (289). When I was before Herod, I obtained a grace
for you, that you would be able to rise above human scorn and follow faithfully
in my footsteps.(1164).
Saint
Faustina: Jesus, we are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back,
without taking any regard as to whether it’s God’s will that we should speak. A
silent soul is strong: no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence.
The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God. (477). Merciful
Jesus, help me accept each human judgment, do not ever allow me to judge you
when judging my neighbor.
The Second STATION:
Jesus takes up His Cross
Jesus said
to Saint Faustina: Do not be
afraid of suffering, I am with you, (151 ). The more you will come to love
suffering, the purer your love for Me will be. (279).
Saint
Faustina: Oh Jesus, I thank you for the Little daily crosses, for
opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the
misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others,
for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor
health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of
recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans. (343).
Merciful Jesus, teach me to appreciate the difficulties of
life, sickness, each suffering, and with love take up my daily cross.
The Fourth STATION:
Jesus meets His Mother.
Saint
Faustina: I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakable beautiful. She held me
close to herself and said to me, 'I am Mother to you all, thanks to the
unfathomable mercy of God. Most pleasing to me is that soul which faithfully
carries out the will of God. Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but
fix your gaze upon the Passion of my Son, and in this way you will be victorious'
(449).
