The Ninth Station: Jesus Encounters the Women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

There followed after Jesus a great multitude of the people, and among them were women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Book of Occasional Services, 2018)

Reflection

The women of Jerusalem looked beyond themselves and saw Jesus as a man beaten and battered. They saw the injustice that very much resembled the injustices they experienced in their day. Women today are still fighting for equality when it comes to positions of power and authority. Jesus saw and valued the women, acknowledging the injustices bestowed upon them. 

What can we do as followers of Christ? We are to see beyond ourselves and make women’s rights a priority and to insist that injustices that affect people of any gender is a concern for us all as children of God. We are to take action and be supportive of women in all settings. We should stand up for the equality of women in leadership roles within the church, in professional business, healthcare, and any other role traditionally held by men. We are called to stand for equal opportunities for all people, regardless of gender.

Let us pray.

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

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