INTRODUCTION 

The statue you're seeing now is the Ninth Station of the Cross, "I Fall a Third Time,", you are witnessing a solemn and poignant moment in Jesus' journey to Calvary. This station portrays the heartbreaking scene where Jesus, weakened by the weight of the cross and the physical and emotional toll of His Passion, falls for the third time.

 

Standing before this station, you are invited to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' third fall and the lessons it holds for our spiritual journey. In this encounter, we witness the depth of Jesus' humanity and His willingness to endure the full extent of human suffering. Despite His divine nature, Jesus willingly took on the burden of human frailty and the consequences of sin. His third fall represents the culmination of His physical and emotional exhaustion, revealing the immense sacrifice He made for the redemption of humanity.

 

As we contemplate this Ninth Station of the Cross, serves as a poignant reminder of the weight of our sins and the ways we stumble in our journey of faith. Jesus' third fall showcases His understanding of our struggles and His constant presence with us, even in our weakest moments. Moreover, this station teaches us the lesson of perseverance in the face of adversity. Jesus' determination to continue His journey to Calvary demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His Father's plan for the salvation of humanity, encouraging us to trust in God's grace and strength in our own challenges.

 

The Ninth Station also emphasizes humility and reliance on God's mercy, reminding us of our vulnerability to weakness and sin. Jesus' third fall teaches us to acknowledge our limitations and seek forgiveness and healing from God. It invites us to embrace the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice, responding with gratitude, contrition, and a sincere desire to follow Him more closely in our own journey of faith.

 

As we continue our pilgrimage and meditate on this station, may it inspire us to deepen our understanding of Jesus' humanity, His sacrificial love, and His unwavering commitment to our salvation. May His third fall teach us the importance of humility, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace as we strive to walk in His footsteps and embrace the path of righteousness.

 

 PRAYER 

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

Response: Because, by Your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Leader: Consider how Jesus Christ fell for the third time. He was extremely weak and the cruelty of His executioners was excessive; they tried to hasten His steps though He hardly had strength to move.

Response: My outraged Jesus, by the weakness You suffered in going to Calvary, give me enough strength to overcome all human respect and all my evil passions which have led me to despise Your friendship. I love You, Jesus my Love, with all my heart; I am sorry for ever having offended You. Never permit me to offend You again. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.