<p class="title_brown">Jesus takes up the cross</p>
&nbsp;

<p class="normal_text"><strong>V. </strong>We adore you, O Christ and we bless you.<br />
<strong>R. </strong>Because&nbsp;by&nbsp;your Holy Cross, you&nbsp;have redeemed&nbsp;the world.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p class="subtitle_brown"><em>According to the Gospel of Mar</em></p>

<p class="quote">And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him.</p>

<p class="subtitle_brown"><br />
<em>Meditation</em></p>

<p class="normal_text">Lord, I begin your path. I look and I see you in front of me; to me, you are always ahead. The cross you hold is the one I see opening all the paths of your disciples. Among the soldiers, your feet begin to tread that path which will lead you to the Calvary. From a distance, I see some of your friends. They are much less than the crowds that always used to follow you. A long journey is waiting for you, with few companions, and with the certainty that the most present companion is the cross, that now becomes the clear image of the chalice the Father has prepared for you. You will drink from it, just as you will embrace the cross which now merges with the colour of your vests.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Lord, with you, in this hour, I pray for all who cannot walk:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<strong>V. </strong>Lord, have mercy on us!<br />
<strong>R. </strong>Lord, have mercy on us!<br />
<br />
Our Father...</p>
