THE WAY OF THE CROSS: LED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

Tenth Station

Jesus is stripped of his garments

[The soldiers] crucified him, and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. This was to fulfil the Scripture, “They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Mk 15:24; Jn 19:24).

Meditation

On the shelves in my room I had many dolls, each one of them different. I would receive a new doll as a gift on special occasions, and I was very fond of all my little friends.

One Sunday, during the announcements at the end of Mass, the priest mentioned a collection of toys for refugee children from Kosovo.

When I got back home, I looked at my dolls and thought: “Do I really need them?”.

Somewhat reluctantly, I chose a few of them, the oldest ones, the ones I liked the least. I prepared a box to bring them to church the following Sunday.

That evening, however, I felt I had not done enough. By the time I went to sleep the box was full of dolls and the shelves were empty.

Getting rid of things we don’t need lightens the soul and frees us from selfishness.

Giving makes us happier than receiving.

Children’s prayer

Jesus, watch over my heart. Free it from enslavement to material goods. Help me to give away not only the things I don’t need, but also some of those I do.

Prayer

Lord, loving Father, bridge our distances,
make us generous in sharing the gifts of your providence
with all our brothers and sisters.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.