TWELFTH STATION.
Jesus is exalted on the Cross and dies.
V. We adore thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, and bless thy holy name.
R. Because by thy holy cross thou hast redeemed the world.
THE MYSTERY.
THIS station represents the place where Jesus Christ was publicly exalted on the cross, between two thieves, who were executed with the innocent Lamb. Consider here the confusion of your Saviour, exposed to the profane view of a blasphemous multitude. Imagine yourself at the foot of the cross. Behold that sacred body, streaming blood from every part. Contemplate the divine countenance, pale and languid, the heart throbbing in the last pangs of agony; the soul on the point of separation. Charity triumphs over his agony; his last prayer asks forgiveness for his inveterate enemies. “ Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” His clemency is equally extended to the penitent thief: “ This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” He recommends in his last moments his disconsolate mother to his beloved St. John; he recommends his soul to his heavenly Father; and bowing down his head, resigns his spirit. Turn your eyes on this bloody portrait of charity. Number his wounds, wash them with tears of sympathizing love. Behold the arms extended to embrace you. Loving Jesus! thou didst die to deliver us from eternal captivity.
PRAYER.
O SUFFERING Son of God! I now behold thee in the last convulsive pangs of death; thy veins
