Station 2

Jesus Takes Up His Cross

We grieve the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the dismantling of USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

i held an atlas in my lap
  ran my fingers across the whole world
  and whispered
  where does it hurt?

it answered
  everywhere
  everywhere
  everywhere.

 – Excerpt from  “What They Did Yesterday Afternoon”  by Warsan Shire

Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.