Third Station
Jesus falls the first time
We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.
Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the World.
Jesus is now on his way to the Hill of Calvary. The road is long, the paved street is rough and the heat of the noonday Sun is overpowering. He arrives at the foot of the hill. He has left the level ground and starts to climb.
It now becomes more difficult.
He grows weary beneath the heavy weight; he stumbles and falls.
Lord, your first fall is like the fall of the young person on the threshold of adolescence. There are many new challenges and temptations today. Give courage and strength to the youth. Help them to avoid wrong-doing. Protect them from drunkenness and drugs. Teach them to handle their problems with gentleness, without panic or self-pity. Help us, whom lead them, to build an environment of love and trust where they will make the right decisions for their future. When their youthful idealism is shattered by sin and human weakness, give them the grace to rise from their fall and to try again.
Let us proclaim the Mystery of Faith.
Dying you destroyed our death.
Rising you restored our life.
Lord Jesus, come in glory.
I love Thee Jesus, my love above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended Thee.
Never permit me to separate myself from Thee again.
Grant that I may love Thee always
and then do with me what Thou wilt.