"The Way of the Cross leads through the streets of our daily lives. We, Lord, usually walk in the opposite direction to yours. Just like that, it can happen that we see your face, that we meet your gaze. We walk our usual paths, and you come toward us. Your eyes look into our hearts. Then we hesitate to continue on as if nothing had happened. We can turn around, look at you, follow you. We can place ourselves in your shoes and sense that it is better to change direction. (…) The Way of the Cross is the prayer of those on the move. It interrupts our usual paths so that we can pass from weariness to joy. It is true that the way of Jesus costs us something: in this world where everything is calculated, generosity has a high price. But in self-giving, everything blossoms anew: a city divided into factions and torn by conflict moves toward reconciliation; a withered religiosity rediscovers the fruitfulness of the promises." God's; even a heart of stone can be transformed into a heart of flesh. We need only listen to the invitation, "Come and follow me!" (cf. Mark 10:21), and trust in that loving gaze."
(Prayer for the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, Good Friday 2024)