Station eight: Jesus comforts the women of Jerusalem

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
 
Large numbers of people followed him, and women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children.
Luke 23:27-28
 
Jesus is met by the women of Jerusalem who are distressed at seeing His pain. Despite His own agony, Jesus shows compassion upon the women and recognises their vulnerability in the society of their time.
 
Women are still in vulnerable positions in many places where refugees are forced to flee, with fewer rights than their male counterparts. Women still face disproportionately more poverty, lack equal access to education and are at greater risk of human trafficking. Many are left to raise their children alone with fathers being separated or killed.
 
We pray for the women who face these ingrained injustices each day. We weep for their oppression and ask for change which respects the strength and the dignity of the women you created.
 
I love you, Jesus, my love above all things,
And I repent with my whole heart of having offended you.
Never permit me to separate myself from you again,
Grant that I may love you always, and then do with me what you will.