Jesus falls a third time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus was now climbing toward the top of Calvary.  Before he reached the top, he again fell under the heavy burden and loss of blood.  The brutal soldiers dragged  him upright, goading him onward.   The words of the psalmist cry in his heart: “I lie prostrate in the dust; give me life according to Your word.  I declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your commands.  Make me understand the way of Your precepts, and I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds.  My soul weeps for sorrow; strengthen me with Your words.  (Ps. 118: 25-28)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?  The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?  When evildoers come to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies also stumble and fall.  If an army encamps against me, even then will I trust. (Ps. 26: 1-3)

Let us pray.  Almighty and eternal God, You permitted your Son to be weakened, crushed and profaned so that He might rise from the dead, freed from the ravages of sin.  Gentle our spirits that we may comfort those who mourn.  Help us to accept our weaknesses, wounds and failings as invitations to our glorious resurrection in union with Your Son.      All: Amen.

 Processional Song:

This is holy ground.  We’re walking on holy ground.
For the Lord is present, and where God is is holy!
This is holy ground. We’re walking on holy ground.
For the Lord is present and where God is is holy!

Oh how good it is!  Yes, Lord, how good it is, to be on our journey, on our way to Jesus.  Oh how good it is!
Yes, Lord, how good it is to take up the cross and follow after Jesus.

Stations of the Cross Images courtesy of carmelites.net