Station XI.
Christ is nailed to the Cross.
V. We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, and bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
The Mystery.
HIS Station represents the place where Jesus Christ, in the presence of His
afflicted mother, is stretched on the Cross, and nailed to it. How insufferable
the torture — the nerves and sinews are rent by the nails.
Consider the exceeding desolation, the anguish of the tender Mother, eye-witness of this inhuman punishment of her beloved Jesus. Generously resolve then to crucify your criminal desires, and nail your sins to the wood of the Cross. Contemplate the suffering resignation of the Son of God to the will of His Father, while you are impatient in trifling afflictions, in trivial disappointments. Purpose henceforth to embrace your cross with ready resignation to the will of God.
Prayer.
PATIENT Jesus! meek Lamb of God! who promised, " When I shall be
exalted from earth I will draw all things to myself," attract my heart to Thee, and nail it to the Cross. I now renounce and detest my past impatience.
Let me crucify my flesh with its concupiscence and vices. Here burn, here cut, but spare me for eternity. I throw myself into the arms of Thy mercy. Thy will be done in all things Grant me resignation, grant me Thy love, I desire no more. Amen, Jesus.
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c.
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us!
You Christian hearts now join with Mary's grief;
Heaven and earth behold! deny relief;
Her heart was pierced with bitter grief to see
Her loving Jesus nailed unto a tree.
