Climbing the Stairs of the first Station on Her Knees..

As we arrived at the 1st Station, Jesus is Condemned to Death, we were gathering after the walk up hill. The walk was challenging for some, not only Malades but anyone struggling with back or joint issues. We were beginning out opening prayer, led by Fr. Tim, and I noticed this woman on the stairs. At first I thought she was simply praying, but as I watched I saw her slowing ascend the concrete stairs, one knee at a time, with her crutch kept close to her right hand. We see plenty of images here in Lourdes that allow you to place you own burdens and worries in perspective. Many of those images are in the carts we pull and push or in those we observe. Paying more attention to the images of deep faith can have a similar reflective impact. No question for me, someone was whispering to me, slow down, think about what God would have you do today, tomorrow, and the next.