The Eleventh Station

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

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

Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

You have taken Your final steps. For Your mother, Your disciples, and Your friends this must seem like a terrible dream. But these nails are very real. Those who love You watch and feel lost. They can no longer hope for a different end.

Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands

and put my fingers into the nailmarks

and put my hands into His side, I will not believe

John 20:25

Hammer on iron through tender flesh affixed to a tree. Lord, how You suffered for us!

Under this Cross I felt the weight of sin, but with these nails I am torn apart by its devastating power. With such agony, it is no wonder that sin separates Your children from You. I accept these nails, Father. Will Your children as eagerly accept Your gift of salvation? Do they know how much they are loved?

We pray. Dear Lord, in sin we lose our identity. We turn away from Your embrace and feel naked and alone. It is during these times that we doubt. We think our shame and disgrace is too great. But seeing Your Son nailed to this Cross, how could we not believe in Your love? Help us Lord, to recognize ourselves as Your children. We stand before You with humble hearts and ask for Your forgiveness. Comfort us in our anxieties and give us the courage to trust and believe.

Amen.

Do you allow yourself to be loved unconditionally? Do you love yourself the same? Can you feel God's love within you--even at your darkest hour?