Way of the Cross

5 We walk on our pilgrimage by faith, together with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the countless holy ones of every age. No matter how isolated or abandoned we may feel, we are never alone. We read in the Letter to the Hebrews: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith . (Hebrews 12:1-2) In this Way of the Cross, we keep our eyes fixed on Je- sus. Our pilgrimage in sorrow may seem long, but from the vantage point of the everlasting joy that lies ahead, it is very short. We ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to accept the Father’s mercy during this time that prepares us for the glory of the resurrection. With resolve to let ourselves be loved by the Lord every step of the way, we pray Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s prayer of preparation for the Stations of the Cross: My Lord Jesus Christ, you have made this journey to die for me with unspeakable love, and I have so many times ungratefully abandoned you. But now I love you with all my heart, and, because I love you, I am sincerely sorry for ever having offend- ed you. Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany you on this journey. You go to die for love of me. I want, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of you. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to you. Amen. •