“Jesus was led away, and carrying the cross by himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull.” John 19:17
This is the fifth installment of The Stations of The Cross from my personal prayer book, “Blessed Be God.” Lent is the perfect time to meditate on The Passion of Jesus Christ by prayerfully reflecting on The Stations of The Cross, and especially to do so on Fridays. It is always helpful to have images of each Station to reflect on, but if none are available just picture each in your mind. Then read the meditation, reflect, and pray.
This post contains the Ninth and Tenth Stations. I will continue to post two at a time over the course of Lent. By the end of Holy Week, you will have all fourteen.
Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time.
Pray: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Consider the third fall of Jesus Christ. His weakness was extreme, and the cruelty of His executioners excessive, who tried to hasten His steps when He had scarcely strength to move.
Ah, my outraged Jesus, by the merits of the weakness Thou didst suffer in going to Calvary, give me strength sufficient to conquer all human respect and all my wicked passions, which have led me to despise Thy friendship. I love Thee, Jesus, my love, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt.
“Finally, when they had finished making a fool of him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucifixion.” Matthew 27:31
Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments.
Pray: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Consider the violence with which the executioners stripped Jesus. His inner garments adhered to His torn flesh and they dragged them off so roughly that the skin came with them. Compassionate your Saviour thus cruelly treated, and say to Him:
My innocent Jesus, by the merits of the torment that Thou hast felt, help me to strip myself of all affection to things of earth, in order that I may place all my love in Thee, Who art so worthy of my love. I love Thee, O Jesus, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt.
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