VIII

REFLECTION

Old, worn women leaning on each other,

young, vital women, children at the knees,

babies at the breast,

women of Jerusalem, weeping.

See Jesus struggle on.

See the terror of his eyes,

see the knotting of his body.

Women of Jerusalem, weeping.

And yet, he speaks, not they.

"Weep not for me,

In the midst of your sufferings

you had compassion

for others and their pain.

We are often so self-centered.

We do not see the suffering of others.

We want pity, kindness, and understanding.

We are willing to give so little in return.

Help us forget ourselves.

Awaken us to the pain

in the lives of others.

May our sympathy for Jesus

Turn to those who here now need us,