St. Leonard's Way of the Cross: Tenth Station

Jesus is stripped

Such a contrast should never exist: you, my beloved Jesus, stripped of your garments, with festering wounds; I, clothed in soft garments. I, unwilling to bear any pain, however slight. I, girded with delicacy and with pride.

To you, my sweet Savior, bitter gall; to me, pleasures and sweet delights. You, the joy of heaven, filled with sufferings; I, a most vile worm from this world, void of repentance.

No, my Jesus, may it not be so any longer. It’s not fair that you who are innocent should suffer, and I who am guilty enjoy. By your grace, grant me a share in some part of your sufferings.

And if a little contrition would sweeten that gall, why, my soul, don’t you weep? Yes, my most sorrowful Jesus, I repent of my sins and seek your mercy: I love you above all things.

Reading: Luke 23:34