The Eleventh Station Reflection: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

 

The Cross was embraced by you my dear Jesus. You carried it in your arms prayerfully and without any complaint. The nails fastened you to the wood of the cross. By these nails you allowed yourself to be firmly secured to the wood that everyone abhors. The wood of the Cross was horrible enough and the nails have made you physically and symbolically united to all that represents the fallen humanity. The nails were driven to your hands and feet. You hear the deafening pounding sound of the hammer as it pierces your hands and feet.  You feel the excruciating pain it gives and yet like a trusting lamb, you allowed yourself to be led to the slaughter. What an example of charity? What a model of docile obedience?

The charity of the passion and docile obedience are landmarks of Franciscan spirituality. St. Francis of Assisi have contemplated such nail-wounds in his body too. He who has been endowed with the five marks of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ knew too well how it is to suffer with the BELOVED. He lived intensely the passion during the last two years of his earthly life. I can imagine our beloved founder, contemplating with untold ecstasy mixed unbearable bewilderment the very wounds reflected on his frail and dying body. As he gazed upon the stigmata, he intimately recalls the redemption brought about by the Saviour of the world. And yet, as he considers his wretched humanity, he cannot but be reminded of his own sinfulness which would cause him to groan with unspeakable and contrite sorrow. 

O Jesus, your nail marks were not blotted out even in your glorified and resurrected body. You deemed that through these marks you will be known by your disciples. It was part of your desire that these scars and wounds remain as testimony of your immeasurable charity and humble obedience. Now, that you are fixed on the cross through these nails, I pray that my gaze be fixed on you - forever. I pray that I may never depart from your teachings and examples. I may not be able to share the physical pains you experience during crucifixion, but let me in your great mercy consider the good of others in times of crises and difficulties and also to be able to say with docility my silent fiat in the midst of sufferings. AMEN.