Third Station: Jesus falls the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

I followed close behind my Son as he stumbled toward Calvary.
Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see Him in such pain.
I saw the cross digging into His shoulders.
My heart dropped when I saw Him fall, face to the ground, the heavy Cross landing squarely on His back. 
For a moment, I thought my beloved Son was dead.
Now, my whole body began to tremble.
Then the guards kicked him.
He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped Him.
I wanted to protect Him with my own body.
But, I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.


Let us pray: Lord, how often have I seen you fall,and, unlike Mary, have left you there without concern?
How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them? How often do I find myself getting angry when someone does things differently than I? Mary offered you Her support through your entire Passion.
Help me to do the same for you by the support I give to others. Lord, have mercy on me. 
​
Oh how sad and sore distressed, Was that Mother highly blessed, Of the sole-begotten One! 

Illustration by Jan Hearn ©
Posted by Fr Tomas