Jesus suffers as he is nailed to the cross. He is treated cruelly in the same way that many people in the world are made to suffer the pain of malnutrition and the ravages of illness by the nails of our indifference. I become mindful of the consequences of my actions and of my use of the resources of this world.

Lord, you knew humiliation and embarrassment when you were robbed of your very dignity. You were always the champion of the poor. Now I am called to cover the shame of the world’s greed with the garments of generosity and positive action. May I be instrumental in restoring the dignity of those who are made poor by my selfishness.

The embarrassment that Jesus felt and the pain and humiliation which he suffered as he was being stripped of his garments resembles the ongoing attacks on people today. As I hear about muggings, violence and burglaries I sometimes become too concerned with my own situation. I reflect on the violence that goes on when the stronger members of society steal livelihoods from the weaker ones because of an unjust use of limited resources. I commit myself to thinking and acting more to ensure the dignity of all people.

Lord, you know how I sometimes feel like giving up completely when I fail more than once. Teach me to pick myself up as you did on your road to Calvary. Give me the humility to accept the help of others on my journey and to turn to you for strength when I feel alone and dispirited.

Another fall for Jesus, yet he gets back up again. So often in my life it happens that I make resolutions and after a few relapses, I give up altogether. The vulnerable people of the developing world, who will be most affected by climate change, need me to persevere in my commitment to do what I can to improve the state of the global environment. It is good to associate myself with others in our endeavours. When I fall down I need to remember that others rely on me as I draw on the strength that God gives me through Jesus example. I continue to struggle because others depend on me.

L ord, you teach me patience as I see how others bear their suffering with dignity. Keep me on the road of selflessness with a heart open to the needs of others. May I show your concern to others in spite of my own difficulties.

It is typical of Jesus to be so selfless in his own hour of pain. He takes time to console the women of Jerusalem. It is often the case that people in serious need are concerned about the needs of others. Even as I reflect on such characters in films or books, I hear Jesus call me to look at my own life, as he did the women of Jerusalem. I realise that my life has effects on others through the example I give and through the lifestyle I enjoy. May I have compassion on others and a real care for how I live myself.

L ord, it is tempting to lie low, to hide away when I know that my inaction is increasing the suffering of others. Sometimes I can hit a low point about the things that depress me in my own situations. Give me the perspective to see the relative nature of my pain. Give me the grace to take the first step on the bridge you create for us and also build a bridge that others may depend on for survival.

We fall down badly when it comes to looking after our planet, commitment to recycling, resolutions about saving energy and the reduction of smoke and fumes in the world. This is all damaging our earth and therefore drastically changing our climate. We need to pick ourselves up and become more aware of the effect of our actions.

Lord, Veronica shows us your face of suffering. Give me the insight to see your face in the poor and marginalised throughout the world. As I see pictures of healthy people, let me not forget the images I tend to ignore – images of loss, hunger, thirst and disease. Let me resolve to face up to the part I play in the pain of others.