SECOND STATION
Jesus is made to carry his cross

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

R. Because by your holy cross,
you have
redeemed the world.

Robert's mind races on. Things are not that bad, he cautions himself... didn't he just hear somewhere that only 30 percent of the people who are HIV positive actually come down with full blown AIDS?

He will conquer this thing! He will get the best doctors and all the best help available. And there will be new drugs! The scientists will come up with a cure soon... they have to. His attitude is the key. He must keep his attitude positive. The subway door slides open and he leaps to his feet. His energy floods back and he is almost running now, to his apartment. His color is flushed, and he feels a flicker of joy beginning to bum again inside. He buys a. newspaper at the comer food market and decides, inside himself, that he can and will deal with this alone.

Prayer

Jesus,
I see now
the actual shape and
weight of my cross. Lord,
send me your strength to
bear it.

Amen.

The Third Station