
The Ninth Station:
Jesus Falls the Third Time
My Jesus, even with
the help of Simon You fell a third time. Were You telling
me that there may be times in my life that I will fall
again and again despite the help of friends and loved
ones? There are times when the crosses You permit in my
life are more than I can bear. It is as if all the
sufferings of a life time are suddenly compressed into
the present moment and it is more than I can stand.Though it grieves my heart to
see You so weak and helpless, it is a comfort to my soul
to know that you understand my sufferings from Your own
experience. Your love for me made You want to experience
every kind of pain just so I could have someone to look
to for example and courage.
When I cry out from the
depths of my soul, "This suffering is more than I
can bear," do You whisper, "Yes, I
understand"? When I am discouraged after many falls,
do you say in my innermost being, "Keep going, I
know how hard it is to rise"?
There are many people
who are sorely tried in body and soul with alcohol and
drug weaknesses who try and try and fall again and again.
Through the humiliation of this third fall, give them the
courage and perseverance to take up their cross and
follow you.
Amen