The Way of the Cross
Seventh Station: Jesus falls under the cross a second time
The gate of Jerusalem, called the gate of Judgment, at the entrance of which our Savior, through anguish and weakness, falls to the ground. He is compelled by blows and blasphemies to rise.
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
This is the second time you have fallen on the road. As the cross grows heavier
and heavier it becomes more difficult to get up. But you continue to struggle
and try until you're up and walking again. You don't give up.
As a child, sometimes things get me down. Others seem to find things easier to
do or to learn. Each time I fail, I find it harder to keep trying.
As an adult, sometimes I think I should know more than I do. I become impatient
with myself and find it hard to believe in myself when I fail. It is easy to
despair over small things, and sometimes I do.
Help me when things seem difficult for me. Even when it's hard, help me get up
and keep trying as you did. Help me do my best without comparing myself with
others.
My Jesus, often have I sinned and often, by sin, beaten Thee to the ground
beneath the cross. Help me to use the efficacious means of grace that I may
never fall again.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....
Leader - Jesus Christ Crucified.
All - Have Mercy on Us.
Leader - May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest
in peace.
All - Amen.
For the sins of His own nation,
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.