Meditations on the Stations of the Cross for Mothers Part 2

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Station 5: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

All mothers need help from others sometimes.  Even Jesus had help from Simon in his redemptive work, and we can part of that work according to St. Paul in the book of Colossians.  Offer up all those nights when you did not get a good night's sleep, when you felt overwhelmed, and even your labor for those who do not believe in Jesus or for those nearing death.  

Don't be nervous about asking for help from your husband, mother or mother-in-law, sister, friends, or even your parish community.  Hot cooked meals, help with housework, and having someone hold the baby while you take a shower are some possibilities.  Also, those types of assistance will also help you in breastfeeding your baby.  By taking care of yourself and having help with the meals and housework, you will be more relaxed and better able to nurse your baby.

Station 6: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

Every time you wipe your toddler's runny nose, change a messy diaper, wipe your baby's chin after he spits up after nursing - you are doing it for Jesus just like Veronica did.  Take a minute today to really gaze on your child and see the handiwork of God's creation and also the face of Jesus.

Station 7: Jesus Falls the Second Time

Have you ever had the experience of going to confession and confessing the very same sins as you confessed last time?  I know I have, especially when it come to sins involved with motherhood like losing my temper with my kids.  When I was a younger mother, tt was difficult for me to remain calm when my toddler or preschooler had long, drawn out tantrums.  As I had more children, gained more mothering experience and asked Jesus for help, I did mostly overcome that problem.  However, it took years, not months of working on it and asking Jesus for forgiveness over and over.  Maybe you have a similar challenge as a mother?  Jesus understands, though, and will forgive you an infinite number of times as long as you ask Him and try again.

Station 8: Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem

Based on the stories about Jesus and different women in the Gospels, I know He had a lot of respect and love for women and mothers in a period of time that often did not show them enough dignity.  Honestly, this really helps my faith in the Truth of the Gospel.

What Jesus spoke to the women of Jerusalem is still true, unfortunately.  Modern society is still a mess - people not valuing the worth of every human being and people not living holy lives.  We, as women and as mothers, have the power to care for all human life through our families and communities.  Your work as a mother matters!  Always remember that!

Station 9: Jesus Falls the Third Time

Just like Jesus fell multiple times on the way to His crucifixion, our children will fall in many ways over the years.  They will physically fall when learning to walk and may even physically get hurt while goofing around or playing sports.  They also may fall in other ways such as lying to us, getting involved in things that are harmful to them, or just not listening to us when it is time to clean up or to go to bed.  However, just as Jesus forgives us over and over, we need to forgive them, too.  We need to be the face of Jesus for them and to love them unconditionally like Jesus does.