The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took His garments and made four parts, one for each soldier. They also took His tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, “Let us cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” (John 19:23-24)
Jesus is at the place where He is to be crucified, the Place of the Skull. He will carry His cross no farther. The soldiers are eager to be done with this nasty work, and they are brusque and rough. They quickly tear the clothes that have attached themselves to Your open wounds. But they notice the unique quality of His tunic and each of them vies to keep it for himself. Mary had woven that tunic with such care and skill that its quality was unmatched. Jesus and Mary did not have great financial means. Perhaps this had been His only tunic, and He took care of it to both spare the expense of another and to respect Mary’s time in making it. Perhaps it had even been one that Mary had made for Joseph and had that much more sentimental value for them both. Whatever the case, when Jesus took up His cross, He surrendered His freedom, His reputation, and His strength. He was abandoned by His followers, his admirers, and his closest friends, save one. Now, they even take His clothes. He only has one last thing to give. He gives it willingly if it means that I can someday be with Him for eternity.
Jesus, You gave until there was nothing left to give. Not even Your clothes were Yours at the end. Yet I put so many conditions on my generosity. I justify my attachments to a certain quality of life and comfort by calling them “needs.” I feel that justice demands that I should have my time, my status, my convenience. Jesus, help me to put it all at the foot of Your cross; if it serves the salvation of souls, of my children, of my spouse, it is at your disposal. I will not be scrupulous or anxious if I have physical wealth because I want it to serve Your purposes. I will not be concerned with what I do not have that I think I need or want. I know that if it something is a true need, then You will provide it. Help me to have enough faith to truly abandon myself into the loving arms of Your Father, my Father.
Points to consider:
Do I live the virtue of poverty according to my state in life? Do I only buy what is a true need, avoiding anything frivolous or status-seeking?
Do I take care of my possessions as a way of living the virtue of poverty?
Do I waste food from lack of planning or order?
Am I generous with those in need, recognizing that anything I have should be at the service of others?
Am I too focused on what I do not have? Do I allow myself to be sad or lose my peace because of material things?
Do I compare myself with others, using their life, status, or possessions as a standard for myself?
How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me! Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, mother